An ancient, eel-like species from West Africa closely related to Bichirs. They are famous for their snake-like appearance and gentle nature. Unlike Bichirs, Ropefish are social and prefer to be kept in groups. They are nocturnal hunters using smell to find food. WARNING: They are legendary escape artists; a tight-fitting lid without even the smallest gap is 100% mandatory.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
The adult form. Requires a large footprint and secure lid. Peaceful with fish too large to swallow, but will eat neon tetras and shrimp.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young specimen often found in stores (15-20cm). Can be kept in smaller tanks temporarily, but requires a plan for upgrade. extremely sensitive to water quality and escapes.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Ropefish
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesReedfish (Ropefish) Care Guide Summary
The Reedfish (Ropefish), scientifically known as Erpetoichthys calabaricus, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 37 cm and have a eel body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Reedfish (Ropefish) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 180 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Reedfish (Ropefish) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Reedfish (Ropefish) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Reedfish (Ropefish), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Reedfish (Ropefish) Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Reedfish (Ropefish) is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Reedfish (Ropefish).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Reedfish (Ropefish) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Reedfish (Ropefish) is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition. Find quality Reedfish (Ropefish) fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reedfish (Ropefish)
How big does Reedfish (Ropefish) get?
Reedfish (Ropefish) (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 37 cm. They have a eel body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Reedfish (Ropefish) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 180 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Reedfish (Ropefish). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Reedfish (Ropefish) need?
Reedfish (Ropefish) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Reedfish (Ropefish) peaceful or aggressive?
Reedfish (Ropefish) is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Reedfish (Ropefish) live alone?
No, Reedfish (Ropefish) should be kept in groups of at least 3 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Is Reedfish (Ropefish) safe with shrimp?
No. Reedfish (Ropefish) is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Reedfish (Ropefish) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Reedfish (Ropefish) benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Reedfish (Ropefish) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Reedfish (Ropefish) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
African Lungfish
Protopterus annectens
An ancient, fascinating oddball fish capable of surviving droughts by aestivating in mud cocoons. It is an obligate air-breather with a powerful bite. Highly predatory and completely intolerant of tank mates, it should be kept strictly solitary. Requires a heavy, secure lid as they are notorious and powerful escape artists.
Beckford's Pencilfish
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A peaceful, slender schooling fish native to the sluggish rivers and swamps of South America. They are famous for the males' harmless but spectacular lateral sparring displays. They require heavily planted aquariums with gentle flow and make excellent tank mates for other peaceful, soft-water species. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known to be proficient jumpers.
Mosquitofish (Gambusia)
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An extremely hardy livebearer historically introduced worldwide for mosquito control. In the aquarium, they are notorious fin-nippers and highly aggressive towards other small fish. They are best kept in species-only setups or indoor/outdoor ponds. Males are significantly smaller than females.
Peppered Corydoras
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One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Senegal Bichir
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A fascinating, prehistoric-looking predatory fish often called the 'Dinosaur Eel'. They possess a modified swim bladder acting as a lung and must have access to the surface to breathe. Though peaceful with large, deep-bodied tank mates, they are strictly carnivorous and will consume any fish or invertebrate that fits in their mouths. Excellent escape artists; a heavy, tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
A small, peaceful, and highly popular algae-eating catfish native to South America. They are obligate shoaling fish that thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with steady water parameters and a constant supply of soft green algae and biofilm. They are extremely sensitive to uncycled or pristine/new tanks without natural food sources.