Rope Fish

Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Recommended Aquarium: 50+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 36 inches
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Ease of Care: Moderate
Diet: Carnivore
Native Waters: West Africa

This fish with its scale pattern and slender physique is a unique addition to your aquarium. The Rope Fish is nocturnal and even so they have bad eyesight; so like a snake they use their sense of smell. They are also an oddity in the fish world since they can survive out of water for hours because of their lungs! This fish may have a peaceful disposition but he can be semi-aggressive, eating anything that will fit in its’ mouth, therefore he is better suited for the intermediate aquarist. The diet for this snakelike fish contains live foods like frogs, beefheart and feeder guppies They usually eat only live food but they will take frozen. In regard to sexing this species: The males have a clearly broader anal fin that does not blend with the caudal fin, whereas, the females have a pointed anal fin that smoothly joins the caudal fin These fish should not be kept with smaller fish, as the rope fish is a feeder of opportunity and may eat small fish.

Approximate arrival size for Rope Fish: 8 to 12 inches