Lungfish

There are many creatures on this planet who defy all the rules. The lungfish is one such creatures. Hopefully in this article, I can do some justice to this beautiful creature. It is one of two types of fleshy-finned fish. It is thought that their ancestors lead animals to land. There are three species of lungfish; Australian, African, and South American. They are called lungfish because their swim bladders function as lungs. They can also use their gills to breath. They can use their fins to walk on land. Lungfish belong to a subclass called Dipneusti. There are six species of lungfish worldwide. There are four species of lungfish in Africa, 1 species in Australia, and 1 in South America. The African lungfish ( Protopterus anectens ), it can live out of the water for 4 years. The African lungfish resides in a mud ball during the dry season. The South American species ( Lepidosiren paradoxa ) resides in mud tunnels during the dry season. The South American and the African species must come to surface to take in a gulp of air. They are between five or six feet in length. The fry / larva are born during the dry season and, they have gills. If they can't or if they held underwater, the lungfish will drown. The Australian lungfish doesn't make use of the mud balls or the mud tunnels. It is doesn't even need to come to the surface to breathe. The Australian lungfish weighs in at 99 lbs. They feed on frogs, crabs, insect larva, mollusks, and small fish.

These creatures are amazingly beautiful. To me they are the perfect part of creation or evolution depending on your beliefs. I have only seen one in my life. I believe the fish was on exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium and it might even still be. I've introduced you to a vast array of creatures and there are many, many more to come. I've learned to expect the unexpected in the natural world. There are wondrous creatures awaiting our discovery. Science may not be a perfect art, but it can lead to the beautiful and the bizarre. Well, I've shared with you some knowledge of the outside world. I hope, you'll take this knowledge and run with it. Share the wonders of nature with your kids or loved one. Any way, I'm out for now.

http://www.nativefish.asn.au/lungfish.html

http://www.oregonzoo.org/Cards/Rainforest/lungfish.african.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkhEFxhyVTA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFo-9GsI79w&feature=related

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidosiren