Lungfish are ancient fish that can breathe air and survive droughts in mucus cocoons. They are kept in public aquaria and occasionally as pets, with welfare needs that reflect their remarkable biology.
Lungfish welfare in captivity requires unimpeded surface access for air-breathing, appropriate substrate for natural burrowing behaviour, and water quality management suited to a species that can naturally tolerate extreme conditions. Their extreme longevity — potentially outliving multiple generations of keepers — creates institutional welfare risks when facilities change management. Being ancient and slow-paced does not make them low-welfare: their demonstrated learning abilities and social recognition suggest meaningful inner lives that deserve thoughtful captive management.