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Rope Fish
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Polypteridae
📍 West and Central Africa
Prehistoric-looking eel-like fish with a series of dorsal finlets. Peaceful with fish too large to swallow. Nocturnal. Can breathe air and will escape through any gap.
Care Guide
Diet
Rope fish are carnivorous and prefer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish. Feed 2-3 times weekly with portions they can consume in a few minutes. They may also accept sinking pellets and frozen foods, but live prey encourages natural hunting behavior.
Behavior
Rope fish are nocturnal and spend most of the day hiding in caves, plants, or substrate. They are peaceful but will consume very small fish and fry. They are solitary by nature and do not require companions, though they tolerate other appropriately-sized fish. They are known escape artists and must have a secure, fully-covered tank.
Breeding
Breeding rope fish in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They require very specific conditions including deep substrate for burrowing and pristine water quality. Successful captive breeding has not been reliably achieved by most hobbyists, making this species difficult to breed.
Tank Mates
Nocturnal algae eater that shares similar habitat preferences and activity patterns
Similar eel-like body and bottom-dwelling nature, but monitor for competition and aggression
Mid-water swimmer too large to be predated upon; peaceful community fish
Small schooling fish that stay in upper water column, away from rope fish territory
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, scratching against objects, labored breathing
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform water changes, use ich medication; ensure good aeration as rope fish breathe air
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use antibacterial medication, remove sharp decorations
Bacterial Infections
Lesions, sores, cloudy eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite
Perform large water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment, quarantine if severe
Parasitic Infections
Excessive mucus coating, scratching, weight loss, visible parasites
Use anti-parasitic medication, increase water changes, maintain excellent tank hygiene
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