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Edit Erpetoichthys calabaricus

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Name

Scientific name

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Polypteridae

Summary

The ropefish, Erpetoichthys calabaricus, is a nocturnal polypterid from shallow, heavily vegetated waters in Western Africa. The only membe…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

900mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 23–30°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

5–20dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Social needs

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries

Not recorded

Supporting text

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Widespread in Western Africa, it's been collected in Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin.

Habitat

Generally inhabits shallow, heavily vegetated waters.

Aquarium size

150 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm60 ∗ 24 ∗ 24 in - ~540 litres~143 US gal for an adult specimen.

Maintenance

A densely planted aquarium with a soft substrate and pieces of driftwood forming hiding places is ideal for this fish. A tight-fitting cover is essential as th…

Water conditions

Temperature: 23 – 30 °C73 – 86 °F pH: 6.0-7.5 Hardness: 5-20 dH

Diet

E. calabaricus is carnivorous by nature and will not usually accept dried foods in aquaria, though some specimens have been known to take pelleted varieties. T…

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Behaviour and compatibility

Not to be trusted with tankmates it can fit in its mouth but is relatively peaceful otherwise. It can even be maintained in small groups as it is not particula…

Sexual dimorphism

The male fish has 12-14 dorsal fin rays while the female has only 9-12. When inbreeding condition the anal fin of the male swells and thickens.

Reproduction

Unrecorded in aquaria.

Notes

This is the only species in the genus Erpetoichthys, and is an incredibly hardy, nocturnal species. Due to its poor vision, the Ropefish relies on its excellen…

References

References

No references