Reedfish

Erpetoichthys calabaricus is the sole living member of the genus Erpetoichthys and the family Polypteridae aside from Polypterus itself. Native to coastal West African river systems from Nigeria to Cameroon, it lives in slow-moving, heavily vegetated swamps and marshes. Unlike the disc-like body of bichirs, the reedfish is almost perfectly cylindrical and serpentine, lacking pelvic fins entirely, and moves with a sinuous eel-like action. It breathes air and must have surface access at all times. In the aquarium it is peaceful toward fish too large to swallow, but its snake-like shape and extremely supple body allow it to escape through the smallest gaps — lid security is paramount. It is nocturnal and often hides during the day among dense plants or tubing. A fascinating species that frequently surprises visitors unfamiliar with polypterids.

Water: 24–30°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; low to moderate flow; tolerates a wide range. Tank: Minimum 150L, heavily planted or with dense hiding areas, extremely secure and gap-free lid absolutely essential. Feeding: Carnivore; live or frozen bloodworm, earthworms, small prawns, carnivore pellets accepted eventually. Breeding: Occasionally bred in captivity; requires dense vegetation and mimicking rainfall; fertilised eggs are adhesive. Compatibility: Peaceful with medium to large fish; will eat very small fish, shrimp, and nano fish.