Australian Lungfish

About Australian Lungfish

The Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) is more than just a species—it is a link to evolutionary history, spanning over 380 million years and remaining unchanged for over 100 million years. HinterNoosa Hatchery is the largest producer of Australian Lungfish. We are also the only facility in Australia with an Approved Aquaculture Program for both the Australian Lungfish and Mary River Cod, giving us a unique standing in the industry.

Each year, we offer a limited number of these extraordinary fish to select ornamental fish wholesalers who meet our standards of quality and exclusivity. By collaborating with only one wholesaler per country, we create secure, long-term partnerships based on trust and exceptional quality. Through our pioneering breeding techniques, we have helped reduce illegal harvesting pressures, ensuring that Australian Lungfish can only be sourced from Approved Aquaculture Programs like ours, offering further assurance to our partners.

At HinterNoosa Hatchery, excellence in breeding and conservation is our priority. As a Gold Member of Ornamental Fish International (OFI), we are part of the leading international trade association representing the ornamental fish industry. In addition, we collaborate with research institutions such as Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, The University of Queensland, and the University of Tokyo to remain at the forefront of aquaculture science and sustainability.

Certifications

Hinternoosa Hatchery holds all the necessary certifications for the breeding and export of Australian Lungfish, ensuring that our operations meet and exceed industry standards. These include:

Australian Government - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Approved Aquaculture Program

Recognized by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, this certification ensures that our aquaculture operations meet the highest environmental and ethical standards.

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Australian Government - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

International Wildlife Trade Operation Approval

This certification allows us to engage in the export of our species under the strict regulations governing international wildlife trade, ensuring that our practices support global conservation efforts.

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Australian Owned Certification

As a proudly Australian-owned business, this certification underscores our commitment to supporting local industries and maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our operations.

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Ornamental Fish International (OFI) Gold Member

As members of OFI, the peak international trade association for the ornamental fish industry, we join a network of ethical and reputable breeders worldwide.

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CITES logo

CITES

The Australian Lungfish is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. HinterNoosa Hatchery meet all requirements to allow the export of Australian Lungfish to our trusted international wholesale partners.

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Australian Government - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Approved Aquaculture Program

Recognized by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, this certification ensures that our aquaculture operations meet the highest environmental and ethical standards.

Learn More
Australian Government - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

International Wildlife Trade Operation Approval

This certification allows us to engage in the export of our species under the strict regulations governing international wildlife trade, ensuring that our practices support global conservation efforts.

Learn More
Australian Owned logo

Australian Owned Certification

As a proudly Australian-owned business, this certification underscores our commitment to supporting local industries and maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our operations.

Learn More
GOLD MEMBER - Ornamental Fish International

Ornamental Fish International (OFI) Gold Member

As members of OFI, the peak international trade association for the ornamental fish industry, we join a network of ethical and reputable breeders worldwide.

Learn More
CITES logo

CITES

The Australian Lungfish is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. HinterNoosa Hatchery meet all requirements to allow the export of Australian Lungfish to our trusted international wholesale partners.

Learn More

Collaborations & Research

At HinterNoosa Hatchery, our commitment to excellence extends beyond our breeding programs.

We actively collaborate with leading research institutions both nationally and internationally to enhance our knowledge and refine our practices. Our partners include renowned institutions such as Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, The University of Queensland, and the University of Tokyo. These collaborations not only help us stay at the forefront of aquaculture science but also ensure that our practices contribute to global efforts in conservation and sustainability.

Below are some of the esteemed institutions we have worked with and hosted at our facility:

Wilfrid Laurier University logo
The University of Queensland Australia logo
University of Tokyo logo
Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) Ecosystem Resilience logo
Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee logo
Wilfrid Laurier University logo
The University of Queensland Australia logo
University of Tokyo logo
Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) Ecosystem Resilience logo
Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee logo

Gallery

Explore the beauty and uniqueness of the Australian Lungfish through our curated gallery. Each image captures the distinct characteristics and stages of growth of this remarkable species, showcasing the care and attention we invest in our breeding programs.

Two people wearing hats walk through a grassy field near a calm lake. The landscape features rolling hills, scattered trees, and a distant mountain under a cloudy sky. The scene is serene and natural, capturing a moment of leisure or exploration in the countryside.A person in a dark shirt and wide-brimmed hat is tending to a large water tank, using a long stick. The setting appears to be an indoor facility with multiple tanks and rows of stacked containers in the background, likely related to an aquaculture or water-based operation.A person in a navy shirt gently holds a fish above a large, gray tank filled with water. The fish is partially submerged, and the person's other hand assists in lifting it. Another person in a light shirt is partly visible. The tank's edge curves around the scene.A person kneels in a spacious industrial warehouse, inspecting a row of stacked water bottles organized in two parallel rows on metal shelves. The warehouse has a high, corrugated metal roof and is well-lit by natural light coming through the openings.Person wearing a wide-brimmed hat crouches near water, holding a TDS meter with cables submerged in the water. The device likely measures water quality parameters. The person's arm and part of their knee are visible, along with water and grass beneath the surface.A person in a hat uses a red-handled tool to affix transparent water jugs onto a rack. The jugs contain a greenish liquid. The setting appears industrial, with rows of similar jugs in the background, lit by overhead lighting.A dark fish with a speckled pattern is in a square net above clear turquoise water. The net is slightly submerged, capturing the fish. The scene is viewed from above, highlighting the fish's elongated body and fins against the light background.A cluster of small, round seeds with a brown hue scattered on a white surface. Most are grouped on the right, while a single seed is isolated to the left. The seeds have a smooth texture and some display partial open shells, revealing darker interiors.A person holds a clear container with water and a small fish inside. The fish is dark and speckled. The container has water droplets on its surface. The background is blurred, focusing on the person's hands and the fish.

Find Out More

Interested in learning more about our Australian Lungfish or placing an order? Contact us today to discuss how we can meet your specific needs. Our team is here to provide detailed information and assist with your inquiries.

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