Queensland Lungfish

Queensland Lungfish
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sarcopterygii Order: Ceratodontimorpha Family: Ceratodontidae Genus: Neoceratodus Species: forsteri
Binomial name
Neoceratodus forsteri

The Queensland Lungfish is the sole member of the family Ceratodontidae, and one of the only three lungfish species that remain. Olive or dull brown in colour, it grows to about 150 cm in length, more commonly 100 cm.

It is native to the Burnett and Mary River systems of south-east Queensland, but has been introduced into other nearby rivers, including the Brisbane River. It prefers still or slow-flowing water with at least some aquatic vegetation on the banks, particularly deep pools.

Also known as the Australian Lungfish, this creature normally uses its gills for respiration, but is also capable of taking in oxygen from the air during dry seasons.