How to Identify Australian Lungfish

To identify Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically olive-green to dark brown, fading to a lighter, yellowish-white or silvery belly. Fins are often mottled or darker than the body.

Scale type

ganoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, thick, overlapping scales, Single, large lung for air breathing, Fleshy, paddle-like paired fins (pectoral and pelvic), Robust, eel-like body but with distinct fins, Small eyes and a relatively small mouth

Dorsal fin

Single, continuous dorsal fin extending along much of the back, merging with the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Diphycercal (symmetrical, tapering to a point), continuous with the dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Large, fleshy, paddle-like, and limb-like, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also fleshy and paddle-like, located abdominally. The anal fin is small and continuous with the caudal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Look for a large, robust, elongated fish, typically reaching lengths of 1.0-1.5 meters and weights up to 40-50 kg.

2. 2

   Fins

   The most distinctive feature is the fleshy, paddle-like pectoral and pelvic fins, which are unique among extant fish in Australia. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins form a continuous fringe around the posterior body.

3. 3

   Scales

   Observe the large, thick, overlapping ganoid scales, which give the fish a somewhat armored appearance.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Note the olive-green to dark brown dorsal coloration with a lighter belly.

5. 5

   Air Breathing

   In low-oxygen conditions, they will periodically surface to gulp air, a clear indicator of their lungfish nature.

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