Everything about Erpetoichthys totally explained
The
reedfish,
Erpetoichthys calabaricus,
ropefish (a name more commonly used in the United States), or
snakefish is a
species of
freshwater fish in the
bichir family and
order. It is the only member of the
genus Erpetoichthys. It is native to
West Africa, with its natural habitat stretching from
Nigeria to
the Congo.
The reedfish has a maximum total length of 90 centimetres (36 inches). It lives in slow-moving,
brackish, warm water, and it can breathe air (meaning it's able to survive in water with low
dissolved oxygen content) using a modified swimbladder which it uses like a pair of lungs. This organ means it can survive for an intermediate amount of time out of water. The reedfish is a
nocturnal creature that feeds on
annelid worms,
crustaceans and
insects at night, and it's sometimes displayed in
aquariums. Its
genus name,
Erpetoichthys, derives from the
Greek words
erpeton ("creeping thing") and
ichthys ("fish").
In the aquarium
Although reedfish are not commonly found in aquarium stores. They are generally priced from $20 to about $40, (approx. £10+) however, as no recorded breeding in captivity has been seen, they must be imported from Africa, meaning their price is unlikely to decrease. They are inquisitive, peaceful, and have some "personality." Because of their peaceful nature other fish may 'bully' a reedfish, despite it's large size, especially if there's competition in the fish tank for food or space. Although nocturnal, reedfish will sometimes come out during the day, and this can be encouraged by daytime feeding of bloodworms or, for larger fish, nightcrawlers. The fish are notorious escape artists and can jump a great distance, so the aquarium should have a tightly-fitting lid without large holes; many novice fishkeepers have rescued their reedfish from
desiccation after finding their reedfish on the floor only just alive.
Feeding and care
In captivity the reedfish will readily accept bloodworms and most other frozen foods that sink to the bottom of the tank. They tolerate their own species and can often be found nestled together behind or under plants and/or decorations, especially ornaments such as 'caves' because they feel sheltered and safe.
Maintaining a healthy tank environment isn't especially difficult as the reed fish is quite hardy- its tough scales will stay mainly intact even if it jumps out of a tank. Water temperature should be between 22 and 28
°C (72 and 83
°F) with 6.5-7.5
ph levels. Providing hiding places to reduce stress will also be appreciated. Juveniles can be kept in a 75
liter (20
US gallon) tank, but adults will need more space due to their size and eating habits. The water doesn't have to be especially clean and pure as a reedfish's natural habitat is often eutrophic and low in oxygen, yet other fish in the tank may not be compatible with slightly unclean water.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Erpetoichthys'.
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