1. Introduction
【Child】Professor, have you ever heard of a creature that is a mix of a dragon and mermaid? I’m curious about Protopterus amphibius!
【Professor】Ah, yes, my imaginative friend! The Protopterus amphibius, also known as the African lungfish, does have an otherworldly appearance. In this conversation, we’ll explore their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and cautions for keeping them in an aquarium.
2. Characteristics
【Child】How can we distinguish them from ordinary fish? Are they not simply colorful swimmers like characters from a Chagall painting?
【Professor】While their colors may not rival Chagall’s palette, the African lungfish does possess unique features. Their elongated, eel-like body can grow up to 3 feet in length, with small, rounded pectoral and pelvic fins. Their tough, leathery skin varies from dark green to brown, but it’s their ornate, filament-like external gills that add a touch of whimsy – giving them a dragon-like appearance.
3. Habitat
【Child】Do they live by the shores of Avalon or in the depths of Davy Jones’ Locker?
【Professor】Not quite, but their natural habitat resides in the freshwater rivers and swamps of Western and Central Africa. When replicating their environment in an aquarium, provide them with plenty of hiding spots among plants and rocks. As they are bottom-dwellers, a soft substrate is essential. And even though they’re not guarding magical treasures, they do play a role in their ecosystem by consuming smaller aquatic creatures and plant matter.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】What intricate alchemy is needed to turn our aquarium into a haven for these magical creatures?
【Professor】Enthusiasm appreciated, but no alchemy needed! The key is to maintain water temperature between 75-82°F, with a pH level between 6.5-7.5, and a water hardness of 4-15 dH. As for their living quarters, a minimum tank size of 55 gallons is needed for a single lungfish, but a larger tank is preferable. Now, ensuring they have a balanced diet is crucial – feed them a mix of invertebrates like shrimp and snails, as well as small fish and even vegetables.
5. Behavior
【Child】Are they sociable waltzers like in “La La Land” or brooding romantics like Edward Scissorhands?
【Professor】Ha! Well, African lungfish may have a romantic streak, but they are mostly nocturnal and prefer solitude. They are slow swimmers that rest most of the time, occasionally surfacing to gulp air. When it’s time to dine, they employ their tooth-like dentures to crush their prey, proving that not all mealtimes require a dance!
6. Breeding
【Child】Do they engage in courtship rituals like Romeo and Juliet, or communicate love silently like Lovers of Teruel?
【Professor】While not quite as poetic, African lungfish demonstrate a fascinating breeding process. During the breeding season, the male invites the female into a burrow in the substrate, where spawning occurs. The male then guards the eggs until they hatch, transforming him into a vigilant protector.
7. Cautions
【Child】Can we create a harmonious kingdom in our aquarium, where lungfish coexist with other aquatic subjects?
【Professor】Unfortunately, not all kingdoms live in harmony. African lungfish are best kept alone, as they may view smaller tankmates as prey or compete aggressively regarding territory. It is important to provide a secure covering for the tank as well, as these crafty lungfish have been known to perform daring escapes!
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, African lungfish, or Protopterus amphibius, are unique and captivating creatures that require proper knowledge and care to thrive in an aquarium. By understanding their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, and breeding, as well as exercising caution, we can appreciate these extraordinary beings that resemble mythical creatures from our favorite tales.