With a body that gracefully snakes across the aquarium bottom and a face that looks straight out of prehistory, the Reedfish (also known as Ropefish) is one of the most unique and captivating creatures you can keep. Known by many names—Snake Fish, Calabar Snake, or by its scientific name, Erpetoichthys calabaricus—this fish generates immediate fascination. But don’t let its appearance fool you: it’s not a snake or an eel, but a bony fish related to the Polypteridae (Bichirs or Dragon Fish), with gills and an absolute need to live in water.
This stealthy predator from the rivers of Nigeria is an animal full of incredible adaptations, but its maintenance in captivity is a challenge that demands responsibility and meticulous preparation. In this definitive guide, we will explore all aspects of the Reedfish. From its impressive adult size and the need for an escape-proof aquarium, to the ethical dilemma of its origin and the secrets to getting a wild-caught predator to accept food in a new home.
The Mudflats of Nigeria: Its Natural Habitat
To understand the Reedfish, we must travel to the rivers and estuaries of West Africa, primarily in Nigeria and Cameroon. It does not inhabit fast-flowing, clear waters, but rather slow-moving areas, mudflats, and areas densely populated with reeds and aquatic plants. Its extremely slender and flexible body is a perfect adaptation for moving agilely among the stalks and roots of this tangled vegetation, where it hunts and takes refuge.
These waters are often stagnant and, therefore, very low in oxygen. This has led the Reedfish to develop one of its most astonishing adaptations.
Not a Snake, It’s a Fish: Unique Morphology and Adaptations
Erpetoichthys calabaricus is unmistakable. Its body is almost perfectly cylindrical, greenish or brownish in color, and it can reach an astonishing length. Although we find them at 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in stores, an adult specimen in optimal conditions can grow up to 80-90 cm (31-35 inches) in length, a crucial factor to consider before purchasing.
Its head is small, with very poor eyesight. To compensate, it possesses an extraordinary sense of smell, thanks to two small tubular structures on its snout (nares) that act as powerful food trackers.
The Primitive Lung: A Master of Survival
The most remarkable adaptation of the Reedfish is its modified swim bladder, which functions as a primitive lung. This allows it to rise to the surface, gulp air, and absorb oxygen directly, a vital advantage in its low-oxygen natural habitat. This ability is also why they can survive out of water for a limited time and why they are such good escapists.
The Ethical Dilemma: A Wild-Caught Species
Before proceeding, it is essential to address a crucial aspect of this fish: to date, commercial breeding of the Reedfish in captivity has not been achieved. This means that all specimens found in stores are captured from their natural habitat in Africa.
As responsible aquarists, we must consider this fact. Acquiring a Reedfish means removing an animal from its native ecosystem. Every enthusiast must weigh the ethics of this decision and the commitment they undertake to provide it with a long and healthy life that justifies its removal from nature.
The Master Escapist: Aquarium Size and Precautions
This is, without a doubt, the most critical aspect of its maintenance.
- Aquarium Size: Given its final size, a large aquarium is needed. An absolute minimum for a single specimen would be 200 liters (55 gallons), but for it to move comfortably, an ideal tank would be 300-400 liters (80-100 gallons) with a large bottom surface area.
- Attention! Escape-Proof Aquarium: Reedfish are the “Houdinis” of the aquatic world. Their slender, strong bodies can squeeze through the tiniest gaps. The aquarium must be hermetically sealed. Any openings for cables or tubes must be sealed with filter floss, a sponge, or mesh. Do not underestimate their ability to escape; they will find any weakness in your lid.
- Survival Out of Water: Thanks to their aerial respiration, they can survive out of water for several hours if their skin remains moist. If you find your fish on the floor, you can try to save it by picking it up with a damp cloth (to avoid damaging its slime coat) and returning it to the aquarium.
A Stealthy Predator: Feeding
Feeding a newly arrived wild-caught predator can be a challenge. They are carnivores specializing in invertebrates.
- Always Ask at the Store: Before purchasing, ask what it is currently eating. This information is vital for proper acclimatization.
- Starting Foods: The best way to tempt a new specimen is with frozen or live food. Frozen bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp are excellent initial options.
- Live Foods (Best Option): Earthworms (chopped if very large) are irresistible to them and a highly nutritious food.
- Adaptation to Other Foods: With patience, they can be accustomed to eating pieces of shrimp, mussel, or boneless white fish. Some long-lived captive specimens will even accept dry foods like sinking sticks or pellets, but this is not always achievable.
A Peaceful Giant: Compatibility and Tank Mates
Despite being a predator, the Reedfish is a shy and peaceful animal with appropriate tank mates.
- With Their Own Species: They are not territorial with each other and several specimens can be kept together without any problem; in fact, they often rest in groups.
- Golden Rule: Do not house them with fish that can fit into their mouths. Small fish like neons, guppies, or rasboras will be eaten overnight.
- Ideal Tank Mates: Peaceful, medium to large-sized fish that occupy the middle and upper areas of the aquarium. Good tank mates can include other African fish like the African Butterflyfish, some Congo Tetras, or peaceful and robust fish like larger Gouramis.
- To Avoid: Large, aggressive cichlids that can harass and stress them. Also avoid large predatory catfish that might try to eat them.
Water Parameters: An Adaptable Fish
Thanks to their variable habitat, they are very hardy and adaptable to different water conditions.
- Temperature: Between 24°C and 28°C (75°F – 82°F).
- pH: They tolerate a wide range, from slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0 to 8.0).
- Hardness (GH): They prefer medium hard water but are not demanding in this regard.
- Lighting: They do not like intense light. An aquarium with dim lighting, floating plants, and plenty of shaded areas is ideal for them to feel secure and be more visible.
The Unsolved Mystery: Reproduction and Longevity
As mentioned earlier, breeding in captivity has not been reliably documented or achieved commercially. It is a mystery that has yet to be solved by aquarists.
They are very long-lived fish. With proper care, a Reedfish can live between 15 and 20 years, reinforcing the need for a long-term commitment.
The Reedfish is not an impulse buy. It is a commitment to a fascinating, intelligent, and prehistoric animal that has survived millions of years thanks to its incredible adaptations. It requires a large, escape-proof aquarium and patience with its feeding. But the reward is immense: the opportunity to observe a truly unique creature, a stealthy predator that moves with serpentine grace and connects us to a distant evolutionary past. If you are willing to accept the challenge and the ethical responsibility involved, the Reedfish will become one of the most prized jewels of your aquarist experience.
FAQs
Is the Reedfish a snake or an eel?
Neither. It is a bony fish, belonging to the Polypteriformes group, which makes it related to other Bichirs. Although its shape resembles a snake or eel, it has gills, pectoral fins, and is 100% aquatic.
Does it really need such a large aquarium?
Yes, absolutely. A fish that can reach 90 cm (35 inches) in length needs a long tank to be able to move, stretch, and behave naturally. A small aquarium will cause chronic stress and health problems.
What should I do if my Reedfish escapes?
Act fast. Pick it up with a damp cloth or paper towel (with aquarium water) to avoid damaging its slime coat and return it to the water. Immediately afterwards, find and seal the hole through which it escaped.
Is it difficult to get a Reedfish to eat?
It can be at first, as they are wild-caught animals that need to adapt to new foods. The key is patience and starting by offering foods that stimulate their instinct, such as frozen bloodworms or live earthworms.
Will it breed in my aquarium?
It is extremely unlikely, to the point of being considered impossible in a home aquarium. There are no documented cases of successful breeding, and all specimens in the trade are wild-caught.
