Lepidosirenidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 611 words | Copyright

Lepidosirenidae (South American lungfish; subclass Dipneusti, order Lepidosireniformes) A monospecific family (Lepidosiren paradoxa) of freshwater fish that have a long, cylindrical body with small scales, small eyes, confluent dorsal and anal fins, and reduced, almost filamentous, pectoral and pelvic fins. It can absorb atmospheric oxygen by utilizing a pair of lungs located beneath the gut. These lungs seem to be even more important for respiration than the gills. During the dry season the fish makes a burrow and becomes dormant. It may reach a length of 1.2 m. It is found in fresh water in S. America.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Lepidosirenidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Lepidosirenidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Lepidosirenidae.html

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