Have you ever heard of African lungfish? It is a fish that can be dug up in the soil and is still alive! It sounds incredible, but it's real. The African lungfish is a very ancient fish whose ancestors date back 400 million years, even before dinosaurs. It has a special organ called the lungs that allow it to breathe air. This organ allows it to survive in arid environments, even for months without water.
Life habits of African lungfish
African lungfish are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, and they prefer to live in shallow and muddy waters. They are about 30 centimeters long , have grey or brown scales , and a pair of long beards. They are omnivores and can eat aquatic plants, insects, worms, and even small mammals.
African lungfish have a unique habit of digging a burrow about 1 meter deep and wrapping themselves in a hard shell made of mucus and mud before the dry season each year. This shell has a small hole that allows air to enter. In this way, the African lungfish enters a dormant state called "summer hibernation". During summer hibernation, African lungfish greatly reduce their metabolic rate and reduce their need for water and food. They only need to stick their mouth out of the hole every few hours to breathe in the air.
When the rainy season arrives, the water level rises and the African lungfish break out of its shell and return to normal life. This ability to adapt to arid conditions has made the African lungfish a highly successful species, and they have been around for millions of years without much change.
Scientific value of African lungfish
The African lungfish is not only a magical animal, but also an animal of great scientific value. They are thought to be key evidence connecting evolutionary relationships between fish and quadrupeds. Because they have some quadruped features, such as lungs, eyes, vertebrae, and limb-like fins. Scientists believe that 400 million years ago, some fish like the African lungfish began to adapt to the terrestrial environment and gradually evolved into the first quadrupeds.
The African lungfish is also an animal of medicinal value. A protein in their lungs and blood that helps them protect their brain cells in the absence of oxygen. This protein is called "neuroglobulin," and it prevents brain cells from dying and increases the tolerance of brain cells. Scientists hope that by studying the neuroglobulin of African lungfish, some drugs can be developed to treat stroke, heart disease and other diseases caused by lack of oxygen.
Status of conservation of African lungfish
Despite their astonishing survivability, African lungfish also face some threats. As a result of human activities, habitats of African lungfish have been destroyed and polluted, resulting in a decline in their populations. Some people also catch African lungfish for food or ornamental purposes. The African lungfish is an animal protected by international conventions and is not allowed to be traded or exported at will. We should respect and protect this miraculous life so that they can continue to breathe in the soil.