Appearance & Identification
These massive, prehistoric fish are easily identified by their elongated, heavy-set olive-green to dark brown bodies covered in exceptionally large, thick overlapping scales. They possess unique, paddle-like pectoral and pelvic fins that they use to crawl slowly along the muddy riverbed. Their tails are large and rounded, blending seamlessly into the dorsal and anal fins to form a single continuous tail structure. They feature a primitive, single lung that allows them to rise to the surface to breathe air with a distinct blowing sound.
Habitat & Movements
Australian lungfish are native to the slow-flowing, deep freshwater river systems of south-east Queensland, including the Mary and Burnett rivers. They prefer deep, quiet river pools that contain plenty of submerged timber logs and dense macrophyte beds. They use their large, blunt snouts to root slowly through the soft silt in search of snails, frogs, and aquatic plants. Their population is heavily protected, and they are completely confined to these sensitive, slow-flowing river catchments.
Tactical Loadout
- Rods FULLY PROTECTED SPECIES. Traditional fishing rods, hooks, and lines are completely illegal to use for targeting this protected species. If you accidentally hook a lungfish while targeting other species, you must immediately cut the line close to the hook. Heavy-duty handling gloves are recommended only to gently support the fish's weight if a safe release is possible.
- Reels FULLY PROTECTED SPECIES. No reels or drag systems can be legally used to target or fight this species. If a lungfish is accidentally hooked, do not engage in a prolonged fight that could exhaust the prehistoric fish. Use a high-quality, long-nosed pliers to quickly and cleanly remove the hook if it is easily accessible.
- Line & Leader FULLY PROTECTED SPECIES. Utilizing any line class to target this species is illegal and heavily policed. If a lungfish is accidentally hooked on heavy cod gear, handle the fish with extreme gentleness at the water's edge. Never lift the fish out of the water by the line as this can cause fatal internal injuries.
Best Lures & Baits
- Artificials NOT APPLICABLE. It is strictly illegal to target Australian lungfish using any artificial hardbodies, soft plastics, or surface lures. They are herbivorous and omnivorous bottom scavengers that will not target artificial lures. Any accidental hook-ups must be handled with immediate release protocols.
- Live & Cut Baits NOT APPLICABLE. Utilizing natural baits like worms, prawns, or fish fillets with the intent to target lungfish is illegal. If a lungfish accidentally takes a bait meant for golden perch or lungfish, keep the fish in the water while releasing it. Never use large bait hooks in areas known to hold dense lungfish populations.
Field Tactics
- Trolling NOT APPLICABLE
- Drifting & Jigging NOT APPLICABLE. Drifting with the intent to target this species is illegal. If a lungfish is accidentally hooked while drifting, immediately anchor your vessel to prevent dragging the fish. Gently release the hook or cut the line close to the mouth with the fish kept fully submerged.
- Fly Fishing NOT APPLICABLE
State Legal Limits
QLD: Fully protected species. Taking, possessing, or injuring an Australian lungfish is strictly illegal and carries severe penalties.
NSW: Not present. Fully protected under interstate heritage agreements.
VIC: Not present. Fully protected under interstate heritage agreements.
WA: Not present. Fully protected under interstate heritage agreements.
SA: Not present. Fully protected under interstate heritage agreements.
NT: Not present. Fully protected under interstate heritage agreements.
TAS: Not present. Fully protected under interstate heritage agreements.
Final Logistics & Table Quality
- Field Notes The absolute secret to success is avoiding the deep pools of the Mary and Burnett rivers if you are bait fishing for other species. If you do accidentally capture a lungfish, handle it with the utmost respect as it is a living fossil. Never lift the fish out of the water by its gill covers or tail, as this can cause fatal spinal damage. Keep your camera ready for a quick, water-level photo before releasing this magnificent creature immediately.
- Eating Qualities STRICTLY ILLEGAL. The Australian lungfish is a fully protected species and cannot be legally harvested, killed, or consumed. Onerous fines and legal penalties apply to any person found in possession of any part of this fish. Any accidental captures must be returned immediately to the water with maximum care.
