How do African lungfish build nests for their eggs?

African lungfish (Protopterus species) build their nests in the form of a pit located on the bottom of a watercourse. These nests are constructed during the last half of winter, which coincides with the onset of the rainy season.1

Once the eggs are laid, the male remains in the nest to provide protection for the young larvae. These larvae initially possess long, tuftlike or fanlike external gills that allow them to breathe until their lungs are fully developed.1