Queensland Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri): habitat and range

Fun facts

It is the most primitive lungfish still alive, and the only one that retains a single lung: the African and South American lungfishes have two and are more derived.
Unlike the African species, it does not aestivate: it makes no mucus cocoon and cannot survive its pool drying out completely, although it can last several days out of water if its skin stays damp.
It is protected under CITES, and only one authorised commercial operation breeds it.
Its natural range is tiny: two river systems in south-east Queensland, which explains its Endangered status.
The most famous individual, nicknamed Granddad, lived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago from 1933 to 2017 and was the oldest zoo animal in the world.

Life cycle and biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - mostly cartilaginous internal skeleton (lungfish)
Habitat and environment: Pools of the Mary and Burnett rivers, in south-east Queensland; it is sedentary and its home range rarely extends beyond one pool or two adjoining ones

Sources consulted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_lungfish; Anatomia de Dipnoi

Where to find it

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The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.

Where to see it

Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented.

Related species

Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Queensland Lungfish — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.

Shares a park

How to help

The queensland lungfish is classified as endangered. Organisations such as the IUCN, WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society work specifically on its conservation and that of its habitat; looking into their programmes is a good starting point if you want to get involved.

It's documented in 3 protected areas — one reason why protecting these places matters for its conservation.

Queensland Lungfish