Rope Fish
Rope Fish
Rope Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) is a close relative of the bichirs — a Polypteridae family member with an extraordinarily elongated, snake-like body that can reach 15 inches. Also called the Reed Fish or Snake Fish, it lacks the pectoral fins of true bichirs and moves with a sinuous, rope-like undulation. Like all polypterids it is an air-breather with a primitive lung and regularly visits the surface.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms make excellent staples — feed after lights dim. Rope Fish locate food by smell and are slow feeders; target-feed to ensure they receive their share in a community setting.
Native to slow-moving rivers and swamps of West and Central Africa — Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, and surrounding areas. Inhabits densely vegetated, slow-moving water with abundant cover. Fine sand or bare bottom substrate preferred — sharp substrate injures the delicate underside.
Keep in groups of two or more — Rope Fish are social and more active in company. They will not harm fish too large to eat but will consume anything small enough to fit in their mouth, particularly at night. An absolutely escape-proof, tight-fitting lid is essential — Rope Fish can squeeze through remarkably small gaps.
The Rope Fish is one of the most unusual freshwater fish available — its serpentine movement, primitive biology, and nocturnal personality make it a genuinely extraordinary aquarium resident. Hardy once established and surprisingly long-lived.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 15 inches (38 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 2 minimum — escape-proof lid essential |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Treat / Supplement | Frozen shrimp; fresh fish fillet |
| Origin | West and Central Africa — Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo |
| Notes | Polypteridae — related to bichirs, not true eels. Air-breather — surface access essential. Escape artist — any gap in lid will be exploited. Social — groups of 2+. |
