Just wondering if anyone had experience with this type of fish or any idea where I could find info.
Thanks.
Thanks.
african rope snake
- Thread starter viboy
- Start date
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=ERPETOICHTHYS+CALABARICUS << rope fish
personally, you might be better off with the polypterus senagalus (senegal bichir).
personally, you might be better off with the polypterus senagalus (senegal bichir).
rope fish are a member of the polypteroid (sp) order, containing fish such as lungfish, bichirs, and of course, rope fish.
the rope fish usually gets around 40cm long, although wild specimins have been recorded up to 40". it eats meaty foods, and isn't above taking and off fish as a snack.
it's best kept with fish that are too big for it's mouth, a 4' tank should be fine for it's needs. if you want to keep them in a group (which is often recommended) then you could probably get 4 in a tank that size.
they're shy, and don't often come out in the day, but if you put in plenty of cover, and dim lighting, then you often have a chance of seeing it nosing around.
they're not fussy about water conditions, accepting just about everything.
they are, like hans said, excellent escape artists, and although not very manourerable out of water, they can survive a few hours out by coating themselves with a mucous membrane, and gulping air. unless they're completly dried out, it's worth putting them into the tank to see if they'll recover.
the rope fish usually gets around 40cm long, although wild specimins have been recorded up to 40". it eats meaty foods, and isn't above taking and off fish as a snack.
it's best kept with fish that are too big for it's mouth, a 4' tank should be fine for it's needs. if you want to keep them in a group (which is often recommended) then you could probably get 4 in a tank that size.
they're shy, and don't often come out in the day, but if you put in plenty of cover, and dim lighting, then you often have a chance of seeing it nosing around.
they're not fussy about water conditions, accepting just about everything.
they are, like hans said, excellent escape artists, and although not very manourerable out of water, they can survive a few hours out by coating themselves with a mucous membrane, and gulping air. unless they're completly dried out, it's worth putting them into the tank to see if they'll recover.
I am still interested in getting this fish but want to make sure that it is compatible and will be happy in my 90 gallon. Here is a list of my tank inhabitants:
4 silver dollars
1 bala shark
1 red tail shark
2 pictus cats
3 black skirt tetras
2 dwarf guaramis
1 pleco (2")
I was thinking about trying to trade in the red tail and the bala. The lone bala has been on its own since I upgraded tanks and lost its 2 tankmates.
The LFS only has one ropefish therefore buying multiples would not be possible.
4 silver dollars
1 bala shark
1 red tail shark
2 pictus cats
3 black skirt tetras
2 dwarf guaramis
1 pleco (2")
I was thinking about trying to trade in the red tail and the bala. The lone bala has been on its own since I upgraded tanks and lost its 2 tankmates.
The LFS only has one ropefish therefore buying multiples would not be possible.
four 36 to 40 inch long fish in a 48 inch 90g tank.
:shake: the bicher i mentioned only runs something like 12" max, and the main differences between the 2 fish are the bicher is shorter, it has a slightly heavier body and has an extra set of anal fins. the dorsal fins on the bichir is also segmented, i'm not sure if the ropefish' is the same.
i often see the bichirs for sale around here mislabled as ropefish. they are nearly identical when young.........
if you read the post properly, it said WILD SIZE is 40", a size which i've never seen a rope fish at, the biggest i've ever seen was 28". the usual size in captivity is 20", so in a 4' tank thats nothing to worry about, especially considering your average ropefish spends it's time snaking about and curled up in a corner...
if you wanted to go for a p.senegalus, you'd only get one in the tank once it reached full size, if you tried to keep a group you'd be looking at some very quick deaths...
if you wanted to go for a p.senegalus, you'd only get one in the tank once it reached full size, if you tried to keep a group you'd be looking at some very quick deaths...
The ropefish will be compatible with the fish in your tank, depending on it's size. I think black skirt tetras grow to about 2" -they won't be food for a ropefish under 12" but may be later. I have several rosy's that are under 2" and they are still too big for my tire track and ropefish.
Ropefish are docile. My fish is extremely active and is always out during the day. Cover any openings and don't fill the water to the top. They need to breathe air. Also, it's a good habit for escaping fish.
They are actually a Brackish eel but almost everyone keeps them in fw, so they can tolerate anything from freshwater to brackish. You have a lot of soon-to-be big fish in there especially the Silver Dollars, Red Tail Shark, Pictus Catfish, and Bala. Even if you traded in the Bala and Redtail you will still have too many fish when they get older. I would suggest passing on the eel, especially since you have a plec and I never trust plecs with long slender bottom dwelling fish ie eels, just my preference though.
Kagh't- 4 2 foot eels is a lot especially for a 90, they may not be all that active but they are still large, waste producing species. I wouldn't keep 4 in all but tanks above 200 gallons. Anyway, hope this helps and good luck to all.
Kagh't- 4 2 foot eels is a lot especially for a 90, they may not be all that active but they are still large, waste producing species. I wouldn't keep 4 in all but tanks above 200 gallons. Anyway, hope this helps and good luck to all.