Why do African and South American lungfish rely less on vision than on other senses?

African and South American lungfish rely less on vision because they are almost blind regarding the perception of form and movement. To compensate for this visual weakness, these species utilize a highly developed sense of touch, which is facilitated by their long, mobile pectoral and pelvic fins that constantly sense their surroundings.1

Additionally, these lungfish possess a well-developed sensitivity to pressure and turbulence, which they detect through their lateral lines. This system includes specialized sensory structures on the head that appear as intricately interlaced bright lines. Beyond these adaptations, they also rely on a keen sense of smell and taste, as well as organs of electroreception located on the snout, to navigate and interact with their environment.1