🐍 Reed Fish (Rope Fish) (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) Add something truly unique to your aquarium with the fascinating Reed Fish, also commonly known as the Rope Fish. With its long, eel-like body and peaceful nature, this prehistoric-looking species brings movement, curiosity and personality to larger tropical setups. A true conversation starter, Reed Fish are ideal for UK aquarists looking for something unusual and compatible with peaceful community aquariums. 🌿 Why Choose Reed Fish? 🐍 Unique eel-like “rope” body shape 🌿 Ancient, prehistoric appearance 🧘 Peaceful and non-aggressive temperament 🌙 More active during dusk and night 🐠 Fascinating swimming and exploring behaviour ⭐ Excellent oddball species for larger tanks Reed Fish are slow, graceful explorers that spend time along the bottom and mid-water, often weaving through plants and décor. 📏 Care Requirements 🧬 Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus 📛 Common Names: Reed Fish / Rope Fish / Snake Fish 🏠 Tank Size: 200L+ recommended (large footprint preferred) 🌡️ Temperature: 24–28°C ⚗️ pH Range: 6.0–7.5 🧘 Temperament: Peaceful (predatory toward very small fish) 🍽️ Diet: Carnivorous – frozen foods, sinking pellets, worms, crustaceans 👥 Group Size: Can be kept singly or in groups 📍 Swimming Level: Bottom to mid-water Reed Fish require a secure lid as they are excellent escape artists and will explore any gaps in the aquarium. 🐠 Compatibility Best suited to peaceful medium or large community tanks with similarly sized fish. Avoid very small fish, which may be seen as food. Great tankmates include: Larger tetras Gouramis Catfish (non-aggressive species) Other peaceful oddballs Important Notes Reed Fish are skilled escape artists, so a tightly sealed aquarium lid is essential. They also appreciate hiding spaces such as caves, wood, and dense planting. The Reed Fish (Rope Fish) is a perfect choice for UK aquarists looking for an unusual, prehistoric-looking species that adds real character to a large community aquarium.
