lungfish

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Any of a group of fleshy-finned bony fishes found in South America, Australia, and Africa. They have elongated bodies, and grow to about 2 m/6 ft, and in addition to gills have ‘lungs’ with which they can breathe air during periods of drought conditions. (Genera Lepidosiren, Neoceratodus, and Protopterus, subclass Dipnoi.)

Lungfish are related to the lobefins such as the coelacanth, and were abundant 350 million years ago.

Red, white, and blue recall the French tricolour. Red, yellow, and green are the pan-African colours. Red represents the common blood of mankind which links African and European nations. Effective date: 1 December 1958. >>