Considered by many to be the most beautiful lungfish, the Marbled African Lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) is a fish that is certainly unique in numerous ways.

​This lungfish has an eel-like appearance, smooth and slimy. Its cylindrical body has beautiful spots along its entire length. These spots vary in color from gray to dark brown, on a grayish-green base typical of wild specimens.

​Its small eyes are positioned in the middle of the head and pointed slightly upwards. The mouth, which looks more like a tear, can sometimes resemble a small beak with lips, especially when the fish is breathing on the surface.

​From its cylindrical body, for long fins come out, which are very similar to tentacles. The fish uses them as support to stay close to the substrate and help push them along; it's a surprising behavior to see, as the Marbled African Lungfish resembles a quadrupedal animal.

​Its long tail is pointed, with a sharp appearance. The tail is formed by the junction of its anal and dorsal fins. The Marbled African Fish is an extremely robust fish.

​Of peaceful and sedentary behavior, its always recommended to keep them alone in the aquarium. Because they are slow, it will hardly be able to compete for food with quicker fish; while also trying to eat their tank mates whenever given the opportunity. Due to its soft skin, it can easily injure if attacked by other species. While many aquarists have had success with keeping Marbled African Lungfish in community tanks, the best way to ensure success with this species is to keep them alone. 

​They are carnivorous animals that will quickly feed on mollusks, insects, crustaceans, worms, amphibians, and other fish. Diet is opportunistic and adaptable to local conditions. ​

​Juveniles require an almost exclusive diet of insects. In the aquarium they will accept live fish exceptionally well, as well as pieces of fresh fish, worms, and crustaceans. They also readily accept prepared foods like sinking pellets. They are far from fussy eaters. They capture food in a quick sucking motion followed by a powerful bite; breaking bones and shells and smashing their food into a paste between the hard boney pallets at the top and bottom of their surprisingly large mouths. They then proceed to repeat a process of chewing their food, spitting it out while mixing it with slime, and chewing it again until their food is formed into a fine soft paste, and then they swallow. It’s a very bizarre eating behavior that is unique to lungfish and very fun to observe.

​Marbled African Lungfish are definitely the ideal species for those aquarists looking for just a highly unique and inquisitive species to keep as the centerpiece of their tank!