Ropefish / Reedfish

Common name Ropefish, Reedfish, Snake fish, Dinosaur eel Picture of Ropefish/Reedfish
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Erpetoichthys calabaricus

Synonyms Calamoichthys calabaricus (not valid)

Size Up to 36" (90cm), usually smaller in aquaria.

Origin West Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria

Tank setup Large tank, with bogwood, rocks and a few plants for decor, sandy substrate.

Compatibility Predatory, but fine with larger fish.

Temperature 22-28^oC (71-82^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical, soft to medium hard, pH 6.0-8.0.

Feeding Carnivore, feed live foods and dead meaty foods

Sexing The anal fin of the male is larger and thicker than the female.

Breeding Eggs are attached to plants and other surfaces and hatch after about 3 days. The fry will feed on their yolk sac for the first week.

Comments
This is the only species in the genus. These fish are not aggressive, even with their own kind, and are best kept in groups. They may eat small fish, especially at night when they rest near the bottom, and this fish is more active. A tight fitting lid is necessary to prevent escapes from the aquarium. Occurs in fresh and slightly brackish waters.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Ropefish, Reedfish, Snake fish, Dinosaur eel	Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Synonyms	Calamoichthys calabaricus (not valid)
Size	Up to 36" (90cm), usually smaller in aquaria.
Origin	West Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria
Tank setup	Large tank, with bogwood, rocks and a few plants for decor, sandy substrate.
Compatibility	Predatory, but fine with larger fish.
Temperature	22-28^oC (71-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical, soft to medium hard, pH 6.0-8.0.
Feeding	Carnivore, feed live foods and dead meaty foods
Sexing	The anal fin of the male is larger and thicker than the female.
Breeding	Eggs are attached to plants and other surfaces and hatch after about 3 days. The fry will feed on their yolk sac for the first week.
Comments	This is the only species in the genus. These fish are not aggressive, even with their own kind, and are best kept in groups. They may eat small fish, especially at night when they rest near the bottom, and this fish is more active. A tight fitting lid is necessary to prevent escapes from the aquarium. Occurs in fresh and slightly brackish waters.