Reedfish

Lore & Background

The reedfish inhabits slow-moving or standing fresh or brackish water, typically among reeds or dense plant growth. It occurs in Benin, Cameroon, and Nigeria, from the Ouémé River to the Sanaga River, with unconfirmed old records from the Chiloango River in DR Congo and Cabinda in Angola. It is nocturnal and feeds on annelid worms, small crustaceans, insects, snails, and small fish. When moving slowly, it uses its pectoral fins; when moving quickly, it adopts an eel-like swimming motion. Unlike its sister genus Polypterus, the reedfish voluntarily leaves water to explore land, slithering like a snake and taking food items on land before returning to water.

Reader's Guide

The reedfish is significant as a unique member of the Polypteridae family, demonstrating an evolutionary path toward body elongation through increased precaudal vertebrae rather than caudal vertebrae. Its ability to breathe atmospheric air via lungs allows it to survive in oxygen-poor waters and to move on land, a rare trait among fish. The species is threatened by habitat loss from palm oil plantations, agriculture, deforestation, and urban development, and is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. It is caught for local subsistence fishing and the international aquarium trade, though catch levels are not currently a major threat. In aquaria, reedfish are peaceful and inquisitive but can be difficult to keep due to their tendency to jump and sensitivity to water chemistry. Spawning has been observed in captivity, but no hatchlings have survived to adulthood.

Did You Know?

• The reedfish has twice as many precaudal vertebrae as its sister genus Polypterus, giving it a more snakelike body.
• Larvae have conspicuous external gills, resembling salamander larvae.
• Males are generally more olive-green, while females are more yellowish-brown.
• The genus name Erpetoichthys comes from Greek words meaning 'creeping thing' and 'fish'.