What does lungfish mean?
A lungfish is a distinctive freshwater fish that can breathe air through lung-like organs as well as absorbing oxygen from water through its gills. Several species can tolerate prolonged dry conditions: African lungfish, for example, may survive drought by entering a dormant state called aestivation, enclosed in a protective layer of mucus. Lungfish are not the only fish capable of air breathing, but they possess lungs or lung-like organs and form a recognized evolutionary group with an ancient lineage. They inhabit freshwater habitats in Africa, South America, and Australia, with an African species reaching lengths of more than two metres. The name combines the English words “lung” and “fish,” accurately highlighting the feature that distinguishes them from most fish. Lungfish are also of scientific interest because living forms retain anatomical traits associated with ancient fish from hundreds of millions of years ago.
nounAny of several elongated freshwater fish that can breathe air, especially through paired or single lungs, and may survive long periods out of water. Lungfish occur in Africa, South America, and Australia.
- A freshwater fish with lung-like organs that enables it to breathe air, often allowing it to survive dry or oxygen-poor conditions.
"The African lungfish can survive drought by sealing itself in a protective coating of mucus."
"Researchers found lungfish living in pools that had lost most of their water."
"The fossil record indicates that lungfish lineages have existed since the Devonian period."
The standard plural adds -es. Both “lungfishes” and the separated form “lung fishes” occur, although “lungfishes” is more common.
"Several lungfishes survived in the shrinking pools."
A lungfish can breathe air, endure months of drought, and has remained recognizably similar to its ancient ancestors for hundreds of millions of years.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lungfish come from?
The name is an English compound formed from “lung” and “fish.” The English word “lung” descends from Old English lunge, while “fish” comes from Old English fisc; both elements were combined because of the fish's ability to breathe air. Related forms include the derivative “lungful,” and German Lunge is a cognate of the English word “lung.”
Related word forms
How lungfish is actually used
The term is usually used for the group of fishes classified as lungfishes or lungfishes. It is a biological term rather than a general word for any fish capable of occasionally breathing air.
Easily confused with lungfish
A lungfish is an air-breathing freshwater fish with lungs, whereas a lumpfish is a marine fish with a rounded body covered in small bumps.