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Reedfish
Conservation status
Secure
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Polypteriformes Family: Polypteridae Genus: Erpetoichthys Species: E. calabricus
Binomial name
Erpetoichthys calabricus (Smith, 1865)

The reedfish, Erpetoichthys calabaricus, ropefish (a name more commonly used in the United States), or snakefish is a species of freshwater fish in the bichir family and order. It is the only member of the genus Erpetoichthys. It is native to West Africa, with its natural habitat stretching from Nigeria to the Congo.

The reedfish has a maximum total length of 90 centimetres (36 inches). It lives in slow-moving, brackish, warm water, and it can breathe air (meaning it is able to survive in water with low dissolved oxygen content) using a Labyrinth organ other fish such as Siamese Fighting Fish and Gouramis also have. This organ means it can survive for an intermediate amount of time out of water. The reedfish is a nocturnal creature that feeds on annelid worms, crustaceans and insects at night, and it is sometimes displayed in aquariums. Its genus name, Erpetoichthys, derives from the Greek words erpeton ("creeping thing") and ichthys ("fish").

Although reedfish are not commonly found in aquarium stores, they make wonderful pets. They are generally priced from $20 to about $40, (approx. £10+) however, as no recorded breeding in captivity has been seen, they must be imported from Africa, meaning their price is unlikely to decrease. They are inquisitive, peaceful, and have some "personality." Because of their peaceful nature other fish may 'bully' a reedfish, despite it's large size, especially if there is competition in the fish tank for food or space. Although nocturnal, reedfish will sometimes come out during the day, and this can be encouraged by daytime feeding of bloodworms or, for larger fish, nightcrawlers. The fish are notorious escape artists and can jump a great distance, so the aquarium should have a tightly-fitting lid without large holes; many novice fishkeepers have rescued their reedfish from desiccation after finding their reedfish on the floor only just alive.

In captivity the reedfish will readily accept bloodworms and most other frozen foods that sink to the bottom of the tank. They tolerate their own species and can often be found nestled together behind or under plants and/or decorations, especially ornaments such as 'caves' because they feel sheltered and safe. Maintaining a healthy tank environment is not especially difficult as the reed fish is quite hardy- its tough scales will stay mainly intact even if it jumps out of a tank. Water temperature should be between 22 and 28 °C (72 and 83 °F) with 6.5-7.5 ph levels. Providing hiding places to reduce stress will also be appreciated. Juveniles can be kept in a 75 liter (20 US gallon) tank, but adults will need more space due to their size and eating habits. The water does not have to be especially clean and pure as a reedfish's natural habitat is brackish water, yet other fish in the tank may not be compatible with slightly unclean water.

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species

• "Erpetoichthys calabaricus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. October 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.
• Erpetoichthys calabaricus (TSN 161058). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 27 December 2004.
• Erpetoichthys (TSN 161057). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 4 May 2005.