Spotted lungfish Care Guide

The Spotted Lungfish is an intriguing aquatic entity with unique care requirements. Below is a detailed guide to ensure their well-being and harmony in your aquarium.

Tank Setup

To emulate the natural habitat of the Spotted Lungfish, it's essential to maintain the correct water conditions. Ensure that the pH level is between 7.0 and 8.5. Regarding temperature, keep it within the range of 18°C to 28°C. The tank should provide plenty of swimming space as this species can grow between 15cm and 50cm. Incorporate a mix of soft substrates and hiding places using rocks and driftwood to mimic their natural environment and offer a sense of security.

Feeding

The Spotted Lungfish has a varied diet and should be fed a balanced mix of animal proteins and plant-based foods. Typically, a good diet can include worms, shrimp, fish fillets, and algae wafers. Feeding should occur once or twice a day, ensuring you remove any uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Social Behavior and Compatibility

Known for being very peaceful, Spotted Lungfish usually exhibit 'social' behavior. However, they can become moderately territorial, especially when breeding, which may lead to a moderate increase in aggression. Due to these tendencies, it is advisable to monitor them closely when kept with other species. Their aggression level outside breeding periods remains very low, making them compatible with other non-aggressive, similarly sized fish.

Maintenance and Hardiness

The Spotted Lungfish requires a high level of maintenance. Regular water changes and filtration checks are vital for keeping the water clean and the fish healthy. They are considered to have moderate hardiness, meaning they are neither fragile nor particularly tough, so attention to their environment is crucial for their survival.

Breeding

Breeding the Spotted Lungfish can be quite challenging due to their high maintenance needs and moderately increased aggression levels during breeding. To facilitate breeding, mimic seasonal changes such as varying temperatures and lighting to trigger their natural breeding instincts. Close monitoring is required to ensure a peaceful breeding environment.

Rarity and Popularity

Though the Spotted Lungfish is considered uncommon in the aquatic trade, its moderate popularity is due to its fascinating behavior and unique appearance, making it an interesting choice for experienced aquarists looking for a distinctive addition to their freshwater aquariums.