Rope Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) Care Guide

A fascinating snake-like fish with a long, flexible body covered in ganoid scales. Has primitive lungs and must breathe air at the surface.

Overview

Erpetoichthys calabaricus is a species in the family Polypteridae. A fascinating snake-like fish with a long, flexible body covered in ganoid scales. Has primitive lungs and must breathe air at the surface. Nocturnal and an expert escape artist that requires a tightly sealed tank. Peaceful but will eat anything that fits in its mouth.

Taxonomy

Family: Polypteridae
Genus: Erpetoichthys
Scientific name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Other names: Reed Fish, Snake Fish
Origin: Africa, West Africa, Nigeria

Habitat

Erpetoichthys calabaricus is an elongate, eel-like bichir relative from slow, warm fresh and brackish waters of West Africa, including Nigeria. It breathes atmospheric air with a modified swim bladder, hunts at night for invertebrates and small fish, and readily escapes uncovered tanks.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 5-15 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 30-40 cm
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 2
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Bichir, Large Peaceful Fish, Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Snails

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced