Reedfish / Ropefish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: West Africa, between Nigeria and the Congo basin. Populates margins of slow-flowing rivers, marshy areas saturated with reeds and oxygen-poor zones.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Ropefish / Reedfish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus). Polypterid with an impressive snake-like shape (unique in its genus). Possesses fan-shaped pectoral fins used as "hands" to crawl and functional primordial lungs.

Social Behavior: Nocturnal, peaceful, very shy but intensely sociable with its own kind. They often intertwine forming living "knots" of several individuals (must be kept in groups of at least 3-4).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Olive/brown back, yellowish flanks and belly. No ventral fins; dorsal fins reduced to small isolated spines. Dimorphism: the male has a much thicker and darker anal fin (olive green) compared to the female (ocher/light).

Aquarium Setup: Vital horizontal space (min. 120 cm / 48 inches tank). Fine sand mandatory to avoid injuring the belly. Large PVC pipes hidden in the layout serve as welcome dens. THE LID MUST BE SEALED and weighted (they are the greatest escapologists in aquarium keeping).

Diet and Feeding: Blind carnivore that hunts by smell (external tubular nostrils). Must be fed at dusk with bloodworms, thawed shrimp, strips of white fish, earthworms. Will almost totally ignore dry feeds.

Water Quality: Survives total oxygen crashes (breathes air) but this does not justify polluted water. Prefers neutral-acid pH and zero nitrites. The air above the tank must be warm and humid for the lungs.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for large peaceful African fish (Pantodon Butterflyfish, Synodontis, large Tetras). Will eat any fish small or slender enough to fit in its mouth, hunting it in its sleep.

Aquarium Reproduction: Never documented nor reproduced in commercial circuits; all specimens are wild caught (Wild Caught), which often makes them debilitated at the time of purchase.

Risks and Diseases: Escaping from the tank: if there is a coin-sized hole near the filter pipes, it will get out and die dry on the floor. Very sensitive to medications, copper and dyes (it does not have true scales, but ganoin armor).