General description
Also referred to as Rope Fish, Dragon Fish and Snake Fish, reedfish are a curious species of fish characterized by their long, snake-like bodies. Reedfish are nocturnal and will spend most of the day time hiding. They can however be encouraged to come out during the day in an aquarium environment by daytime feeding. Reedfish are also able to breathe in atmospheric air due to their specially developed lung-like organs. They are also known to sometimes escape from aquariums and crawl away for fair distances.
Also referred to as Rope Fish, Dragon Fish and Snake Fish, reedfish are a curious species of fish characterized by their long, snake-like bodies.
Origins
Reedfish originate from Western Africa.
Color
Reedfish are usually green in color and have yellow tinged bellies.
Maintenance and care
Reedfish are a fairly large species of fish and can easily reach 3 feet in length. They should therefore be kept in fairly large aquariums with adequate swimming space. Soft sand should be used as a substrate in the reedfish aquarium as they like to sometimes burrow into the substrate. Reedfish also prefer aquariums that are heavily planted and have numerous hiding places.
Reedfish are master escape artistes and should be housed in aquariums with heavy, tight fitting lids. They can literally wriggle their way out of the tiniest of holes and gaps, so care should be taken not to provide them with even a remotely possible escape route. They are also an extremely inquisitive species of fish and will crawl into explore any crevice or opening. Care should be taken to ensure that all filter intakes are sealed with a mesh type material to prevent these fish from crawling in and getting stuck.
Generally a peaceful type of fish, reedfish are able to get along with most non-aggressive species of fish. They should not be kept with overly aggressive tank mates that can harass them, or very small species of fish that they can easily prey on.
Feeding
Reedfish are carnivores and do best when fed on live foods such as bloodworms, shrimp and krill. They can also be trained to accept sinking pellet type foods.
Reedfish are nocturnal and will spend most of the day time hiding.
Breeding
There are no records of reedfish being bred in captivity.
Photo credit: Michał Zalewski/Wikimedia; OpenCage/Wikimedia
