Marbled Lungfish and Similar Species
Protopterus aethiopicus
Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Marbled Lungfish. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
West African Lungfish
Protopterus annectens
Key differences: Generally smaller, reaching up to 1 meter. Its body is typically more uniformly colored, often greyish-brown, and lacks the distinct marbled pattern of P. aethiopicus. The pectoral and pelvic fins are also filamentous but may appear slightly less robust.
Gilled Lungfish
Protopterus amphibius
Key differences: Significantly smaller, rarely exceeding 40 cm. It retains more prominent external gills as an adult, especially when young, and has a more slender body. Its coloration is usually a uniform grey or brown.
Spotted African Lungfish
Protopterus dolloi
Key differences: Has a more elongated, almost worm-like body compared to P. aethiopicus, and typically reaches lengths of about 1.3 meters. Its coloration is usually a uniform grey or brown, sometimes with faint spots, but not the distinct marbling. Its fins are also filamentous but may be proportionally shorter.
Explore Marbled Lungfish
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.