Family: Polypteridae
Reed — a Polypteridae from Africa, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 27.8–40.7 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 22–28 °C.
A Polypteridae species native to Africa: Erpetoichthys calabaricus lives middle of the water column over warm freshwater streams and lakes. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 27.8–40.7 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with Robust schooling cyprinids.
A moderate-level species: peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Aim for 22–28 °C. Stable temperature matching the species origin; 22–28 °C recorded range.
Expect 27.8–40.7 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. It forages naturally over fine sand and gravel, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Recommended tankmates: Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict. Avoid Much larger predators — Risk at night.
Its home waters are Africa — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Subtle external differences.