Reedfish

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

Reedfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Reedfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 14.6" (≤ 37 cm)
Aquarium size: 143 US gal (540 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 73–86°F (23–30°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 20 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 143 US gal (540 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Reedfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Reedfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 143 US gal (540 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Benin Cameroon Nigeria.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Reedfish get?

Reedfish reaches ≤ 14.6" (≤ 37 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Reedfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 143 US gal (540 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.

Is Reedfish peaceful?

Yes. Reedfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Reedfish?

Keep it between 23 to 30 °C.

Should Reedfish be kept alone or in a group?

Reedfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.