Reed Fish
Quick Stats
| Size | Up to 35" (90cm) |
|---|---|
| Tank | 200 litres + |
| Swimming Area | Bottom |
| Ph | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Temperature | 79ºF to 86ºF (26-30°C) |
| Food | Bloodworms and earthworms as well as fish. |
Common Name:
Reed fish, Ropefish.
Distribution:
Africa: Cameroon and the Niger river. Ogun River mouth in Nigeria to Chiloango River in Congo Brazzaville.
Colouration:
Not a striking fish the body is basically green, with the exception of the belly being yellow and the Black spots at the base of the pectoral fins.
Lifespan:
5 to 8 years.
Maintenance:
10 to 20% weekly water change. The most important aspect of keeping the reedfish is a very tight fitting cover, they are escape artist and will fit out of the smallest holes. If they do manage to escape they have been known to survive for several hours out of water and it may be possible to save it if found in time. Try to keep a minimum of two fish. Generally peaceful and will get along with most fish, try to avoid keeping them with large Cichlids. Good filtration and the addition of some sea salt is beneficial.
Feeding:
The reedfish is a nocturnal eater and can be easily fed on crustaceans and insect larvae and can adapt to the more meat like available foods such as tubifex, bloodworms and earthworms. They will eat smaller fish if given the chance.
Substrate:
Sandy material.
Tank Decor:
The aquarium should be heavily planted and provide plenty of hiding areas among roots or driftwood.
Filtration:
Good filtration is required.
Biotype:
Heavily vegetated Swamp or marsh areas of the Niger river delta.
Breeding:
Unknown.