Why African Lungfish Are Listed Under Saltwater but Live in Freshwater
African lungfish are strictly freshwater fish and do not survive in saltwater environments. You will not catch them in the ocean or in brackish water. They appear in the saltwater section of this site because the category covers all fish species for reference — including those that are sometimes confused with saltwater species or that readers encounter while researching broader fishing topics. If you arrived here looking for saltwater targets, African lungfish are not what you want.
The confusion sometimes arises because lungfish are ancient, unusual fish that seem exotic enough to belong in salt water. In reality, they are found only in freshwater rivers, swamps, and floodplain lakes across Africa. Understanding where they actually live is the first step to knowing whether they are worth pursuing for your own fishing plans.
Key Takeaways
- African lungfish live only in freshwater — rivers, swamps, and floodplain lakes — and will die in saltwater conditions.
- They are found in West Africa, Central Africa, and East Africa, with the most accessible populations in countries like Zambia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Lungfish can survive out of water for months by creating a mucus cocoon around themselves during dry seasons, making them hardy but difficult to keep in standard aquariums.
- They are bottom feeders that eat mollusks, crustaceans, and other fish, and they grow slowly, reaching 4 to 6 feet in length over many years.
- Fishing for lungfish requires local permits and knowledge of seasonal water levels, as they are not widely targeted by recreational anglers outside their native range.
Where African Lungfish Live and How to Access Them
African lungfish are found across the continent in slow-moving freshwater systems. The most common species, Protopterus annectens, inhabits rivers and swamps in West Africa, Central Africa, and parts of East Africa. Major populations exist in the Congo Basin, the Zambezi River system, and various tributaries in countries including Zambia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. They prefer murky, oxygen-poor water where they can use their lungs to breathe air at the surface.
Access to lungfish fishing is limited and highly dependent on location. In Zambia and Tanzania, some outfitters and local guides know where lungfish congregate in specific river sections, particularly during the dry season when water levels drop and fish concentrate in deeper pools. In most other regions, lungfish are not a target species for recreational anglers — they are incidental catches or the focus of subsistence fishers. If you are interested in fishing for them, you will need to contact local fishing authorities or guides in the specific country and river system you plan to visit.
Travel logistics vary widely. Some areas require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a boat to reach productive water; others are accessible by foot during low water. Permits and regulations differ by country and sometimes by region within a country. Before planning a trip, contact the fisheries department or a local outfitter in your target area to learn current access, permit requirements, and seasonal conditions.
Physical Traits and Behavior
African lungfish are unmistakable once you see one. They have an elongated, eel-like body covered in thick, overlapping scales, and their fins are thin and thread-like rather than the broad fins of most fish. Adults typically reach 4 to 6 feet in length, though some individuals grow larger. Their color is usually gray-brown to olive, often with a mottled or spotted pattern. They have small eyes and a large mouth positioned on the underside of their head — an adaptation for feeding on the bottom.
The most remarkable trait is their ability to breathe air using a primitive lung derived from their swim bladder. When water becomes stagnant or oxygen levels drop, they rise to the surface and gulp air. During the dry season, when their habitat dries up completely, they burrow into the mud and create a mucus cocoon around themselves, entering a state called estivation. They can survive this way for months, breathing through a small hole in the cocoon, until water returns and they emerge.
Behaviorally, lungfish are solitary bottom feeders. They hunt at night and rest in deeper water or under vegetation during the day. They eat mollusks, crustaceans, insect larvae, and smaller fish. They are slow-growing and long-lived, reaching sexual maturity only after several years. In their native habitat, they play an important role in the ecosystem, but they are not aggressive or dangerous to humans.
Fishing Methods and Tackle
Lungfish are not commonly targeted by recreational anglers, so established fishing methods are limited. Local subsistence fishers typically use hand lines, traps, or nets in areas where lungfish are known to congregate. If you are attempting to catch one on rod and reel, bottom fishing with live bait — small fish, crustaceans, or mollusks — is the most likely approach. Fish the deepest, slowest sections of river or swamp, particularly near vegetation or submerged logs where lungfish rest during the day.
Tackle should be sturdy. Lungfish have tough mouths and strong bodies, and they will use their weight and leverage to escape. A medium to heavy freshwater rod with a reliable reel and 15- to 25-pound line is appropriate. Hooks should be sized to the bait — typically size 2/0 to 5/0. Because lungfish are bottom feeders, use a simple rig: hook, sinker, and leader, cast near structure, and wait. They are not fast strikers; you may feel a slow, steady pull rather than a sharp bite.
Timing matters. Early morning and evening are generally productive, and the dry season — when water levels are low and fish are concentrated — is the best time to locate them. Ask local guides about recent catches and preferred fishing spots; their knowledge will save you days of trial and error.
Regulations and Permits
Regulations for lungfish vary by country and region. In some areas, they are protected or have seasonal closures; in others, they are harvested for food with few restrictions. Before you fish, contact the fisheries authority in the specific country and region you plan to visit. In Zambia, for example, the Department of Fisheries can provide current regulations and permit information. In Tanzania, the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) oversees freshwater fish management.
Most countries require a fishing license or permit, even for visitors. Some regions also restrict the number of fish you can keep or the methods you can use. Penalties for fishing without proper authorization can be severe, including fines and confiscation of equipment. Obtaining the correct permits before you travel is not optional — it is a legal requirement and a matter of respect for local management.
If you plan to keep any fish, ask about local regulations on export. Many countries prohibit the export of native fish species without special permission, and lungfish may fall into this category. Clarify this before you travel so you know what to expect.
Why Lungfish Are Rarely Targeted by Recreational Anglers
Lungfish are not popular targets for several practical reasons. First, they are not widely distributed in areas with established recreational fishing infrastructure. Most live in remote or difficult-to-access freshwater systems in Africa, far from the lodges, guides, and tackle shops that support tourism fishing. Second, they are slow-growing and long-lived, which means populations are vulnerable to overfishing and recover slowly — this has led some regions to restrict or prohibit their harvest.
Third, they are not known for fighting hard or providing exciting sport. They are bottom feeders that move slowly and rely on strength and weight rather than speed or acrobatic jumps. For anglers accustomed to the explosive strikes of bass or the aerial displays of tarpon, lungfish are underwhelming. Fourth, they are not particularly good eating compared to other freshwater fish, so they have limited appeal as a food fish in regions with better options.
For these reasons, lungfish are primarily of interest to scientists, aquarium hobbyists, and anglers seeking an unusual or educational experience. If you are planning a fishing trip to Africa and want to target something more conventional, your guide can point you toward tigerfish, catfish, or other species that are more widely pursued and better suited to recreational fishing.
Keeping Lungfish in Captivity
Lungfish are occasionally kept in public aquariums and by specialized hobbyists, but they are not suitable for standard home aquariums. They require large tanks with low water flow, soft substrate for burrowing, and careful water quality management. They are long-lived — potentially 20 years or more in captivity — which means a commitment to their care is substantial. They are also slow-growing and do not interact with other fish in interesting ways, making them less engaging than many aquarium species.
If you are interested in lungfish as an aquarium subject, research the specific species and its requirements thoroughly before attempting to keep one. In many regions, importing or keeping African lungfish requires permits, and some species may be restricted or prohibited. Consult local regulations and experienced aquarists before pursuing this path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African lungfish survive in saltwater?
No. African lungfish are strictly freshwater fish and will die in saltwater. They have no physiological adaptations to handle salt water, and their organs cannot regulate salt balance in marine environments. They must live in freshwater rivers, swamps, and lakes.
How long can a lungfish survive out of water?
During the dry season, African lungfish can survive out of water for several months by burrowing into mud and creating a mucus cocoon around themselves. They breathe through a small hole in the cocoon. Once water returns, they emerge and resume normal activity. This adaptation is unique to lungfish and allows them to survive in habitats that dry up seasonally.
Where is the best place to fish for African lungfish?
The Zambezi River system in Zambia and the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo are known to hold populations of African lungfish. However, they are not widely targeted, and access depends on local guides and outfitters. Contact fisheries authorities or tourism operators in these regions for current information on where and how to pursue them.
What do African lungfish eat?
African lungfish are bottom feeders that eat mollusks, crustaceans, insect larvae, and smaller fish. They hunt primarily at night and rest in deeper water or under vegetation during the day. When fishing for them, use live bait such as small fish or crustaceans and fish the bottom near structure.
Are African lungfish endangered?
African lungfish are not listed as globally endangered, but populations in some regions have declined due to habitat loss and overfishing. Some countries have implemented protections or seasonal closures to manage populations. Regulations vary by location, so check local fisheries authorities before planning a trip.