Lungfish are a type of freshwater fish known for their unusual ability to live on land, without water, for months on end, and sometimes even years.

As the name suggests, lungfish have a highly developed respiratory system that can take in oxygen directly from the air, just like terrestrial animals do. In fact, some species of lungfish are so accustomed to breathing air that their gills gradually lose their function. The fish come to land as soon as they enter adulthood, while the young live in the water. But young animals need to regularly rise to the surface to get some air. These fish can even drown if kept underwater for long periods of time.