Reedfish

What it is

The reedfish is a slender, elongated fish that resembles a snake. It belongs to the family Polypteridae, sharing ancestry with bichirs. Its body is dark on top with lighter yellowish or orange undersides. Males tend to be olive-green, while females are more yellowish-brown. Unlike most fish, it lacks pelvic fins and has a long dorsal fin made of separate spines. Each spine is supported by a single ray. The genus name means creeping fish in Greek. It can grow up to 41.4 cm, though claims of larger sizes are unverified.

Where it lives

This species lives in the tropical waters of West and Central Africa. Its confirmed range spans from the Ouémé River to the Sanaga River. It is found in Benin, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Older records from Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo exist but are considered questionable. The fish prefers slow-moving or standing water. It thrives in warm environments with dense plant growth, such as reeds. It can tolerate both fresh and brackish conditions.

How it lives

Reedfish are nocturnal hunters. They feed on annelid worms, shrimp, insects, snails, and small fish. They move slowly using pectoral fins but swim quickly with eel-like body movements. Uniquely, they can leave the water to explore land. They slither like snakes and may capture prey on shore, bringing it back to the water. They possess lungs alongside gills, allowing them to breathe atmospheric air. This adaptation helps them survive in oxygen-poor water and out of water for short periods.

Breeding and life cycle

Females deposit small batches of eggs onto the anal fin of the male. Fertilization occurs there. The male then scatters the sticky eggs among aquatic plants and substrate. The larvae hatch quickly, within about 70 hours. They remain attached to vegetation initially. After approximately 22 days, once the yolk sac is consumed, the young become independent and start feeding. Larvae have external gills that resemble those of salamander larvae.

Fish and people

Locals in coastal Central Africa catch reedfish for food. It is a common part of subsistence fisheries. The species is also popular in the international aquarium trade due to its unique appearance and personality. However, keeping them is challenging. They are sensitive to water chemistry changes and may jump out of tanks. In captivity, they may eat smaller tank mates. Spawning has been observed in aquaria, but hatchlings rarely survive to adulthood.

Status and threats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the reedfish as Near Threatened. Habitat loss is the primary danger. In Central Africa, oil palm plantations destroy wetlands. In West Africa, urban development and agriculture drain these habitats. While current fishing levels are not deemed a major threat, monitoring is necessary. The species needs protection from environmental degradation to ensure its survival in the wild.

Questions people ask about Reedfish

Good reading and sources

• Reedfish on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data