Paleontological Research Institution Opens New Small Lungfish Exhibit
Paleontological Research Institution Celebrates Darwin Days 2023 with a Series of Special Events
ITHACA, NY, February 14, 2023- The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) has announced the opening of its new small lungfish exhibit at the Museum of the Earth located in Ithaca, NY. The exhibit will feature a live African lungfish named Tembea and will allow visitors a glimpse into the mid-Devonian period with the first tetrapods that walked on land and were the early ancestors of today’s lungfishes.
Lungfish are large-bodied freshwater fish with an “eel-like” body shape and must breathe air to survive. They have “thread-like” pectoral and pelvic fins, which enable them to walk along the bottom of bodies of water or climb onto land. Native to west Africa, West African Lungfish live in swamps, riverbeds, floodplains, and river deltas throughout the range and are known to be able to survive without food or water for extended periods.
Tembea was donated by Willy Bemis, who shared insight into the lungfish’s journey to its new home with PRI, “Like many freshwater aquarium fishes from Africa, Tembea was wild captured as a small juvenile and legally imported to the United States in 2007. Lungfishes, however, do not make good household pets because they quickly grow too large for most aquarium systems and also live a long time. In captivity, some lungfish have lived to be nearly 100 years old.” Bemis added, “I am confident Tembea will enjoy a long life in her new home at the Museum of the Earth. Given the long-term commitment needed to care for lungfishes, these tasks are best left to professionals who can provide both care and continuity for captive lungfishes.”
PRI’s Associate Director for Philanthropy and Communications Amanda Schmitt Piha stated, “We are so grateful for Willy’s generosity in sharing Tembea with us at PRI. This is such a wonderful opportunity for the public to have access to and learn from Tambea’s presence at the Museum of the Earth.” Schmitt Piha added, “On behalf of PRI, I would also like to thank Willy for his contributions to the study of lungfishes.”
About the Paleontological Research Institution
The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) pursues and integrates education and research, and interprets the history and systems of the Earth and its life, to increase knowledge, educate society, and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth. PRI and its two public venues for education, the Museum of the Earth and the Cayuga Nature Center, are separate from, but formally affiliated with Cornell University, and interact closely with numerous University departments in research, teaching, and public outreach. To learn more, visit www.priweb.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.