Erpetoichthys calabaricus

[StripesAndFins]

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

COMMON NAME Reedfish, ropefish

SCIENTIFIC NAME Erpetoichthys calabaricus

DISTRIBUTION Africa, mainly Nigeria and Cameroon

HABITAT Can live in many types of water but prefers clean water. sand or fine gravel works bogwood and other decor for them to hide.

SIZE There is a debate on this fish's size. Some say 12" (30.5 cm) or 36" (91.5 cm). it will most likely stay at 16"(41 cm)-24"(61 cm) but be ready for larger sizes.

TANK SIZE It should be kept in a tank no smaller than 48" long (122 cm) and 12" (30.5 cm) wide. Preferably 55 gallons (209L) and up.

DIET Anything that sinks to the bottom. these fish are poor competitors so don't plan on it eating flakes. They might eat small fish like Neons and guppies. they like live food like shrimp, earthworms and bloodworms. they will also eat sinking pellets.

TANK ZONE Mainly on the bottom but will frequently go to the surface for air.

TEMPERAMENT Non aggressive and slow. I would keep other big fish that wont be considered as food and slow fish so it doesn't eat all the food. Gouramis and Bichirs would be great fish along with hatchets and Butterflyfish.

pH 7.0-7.8
HARDNESS medium-hard
TEMPERATURE 72-82*F (22-28*C)

PHOTOPERIOD They prefer shade so 8 hours if there are floating plants. There doesn't need to be plants if there are many places to hide.

SEASONAL CHANGES This fish is not known to breed in captivity so it doesn't matter.

SENSITIVITIES Make sure there is space on the surface so they can breath.

HARDINESS & LIFE SPAN This fish is hardy once acclimated and established into the tank. Can live up to 20 years old.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Snake-like 2 tube-like organs on the tip of its head and thin flexible pectoral fins.

SEXES females have 9 anal fin rays. Males have anywhere from 12-14

ACTIVE POINTS It is nocturnal so at night.

HABITS It is considered a nocturnal predator. it wont bully but may be bullied. He will mainly hide all day will coming out occasionally to explore.

BREEDING NOTES This fish is not known to have been breed in captivity.

OTHER NOTES This fish absorbs oxygen through its organs and therefore will frequently go to the surface for air. Its tube-like organs perform the same function as barbells for catfish. Make sure to keep a hood as these fish are not jumpers but will sort of slither over the tank walls and out to its doom. They also will find holes in the hood so make sure it is weighed down and looked over for any small but possible escapes.