Pronunciation: [dˈɪpnɔ͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Dipnoi is a word commonly used in the field of biology to refer to a group of fish that breathe using lungs in addition to gills. The spelling of this word corresponds to its pronunciation: /dɪpˈnɔɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "dip" and the second syllable like "noi" with a slight emphasis on the "n". The "p" is silent, thus the phonetic transcription of this word reflects the exact way it is pronounced.
Dipnoi is a group of fish characterized by their ability to breathe both air and water, also known as lungfish. The term "dipnoi" is derived from the Greek words "di," meaning two, and "pnoe," meaning breath, reflecting their unique respiratory adaptation. These fish are considered a transitional group between aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates due to their ability to extract oxygen from both air and water.
Lungfish, or dipnoi, have specialized lungs in addition to gills. While they primarily respire through gills underwater, they possess a lung-like structure that allows them to gulp air when water conditions become unfavorable, such as during droughts or when the oxygen content is low. Their lungs are vascularized, allowing efficient gas exchange.
Dipnoi are known for their elongated bodies and can vary in size from small to large, with some species growing up to 2 meters in length. They have fleshy, lobed fins, which they use for both swimming in water and crawling on land. Their scales can be either thin and bony or thick and plate-like.
Most dipnoi species are found in freshwaters of Africa, South America, and Australia. They are predominantly nocturnal and are known to feed on various invertebrates, small fish, and even plants.
Due to their unique respiratory system and ability to survive in extreme conditions, dipnoi serve as an important study in understanding the evolution of amphibians and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life forms.
The word dipnoi is derived from Greek. It is a plural form of the Greek word dipnoos, which means double-breathing. The term was coined based on the unique respiratory system found in the group of fish known as lungfish. Lungfish have both gills and a primitive lung, allowing them to breathe in both water and air. This dual breathing ability led to the name dipnoi.
