REED SNAKE FISH
- RM0.00
The rope fish (scientific name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus) are a long freshwater fish that are often confused with an eel or snake. They originate from Central and West Africa in countries like Cameroon and Nigeria.
They prefer standing or slow-moving water that’s on the warm side. They thrive in both fresh or brackish (although most owners keep them in pure freshwater tanks). The Chiloango River and Ogun River are where you can find a high concentration of reed fish since these rivers perfectly meet their required water parameters.
Because of their location and unique appearance, a lot of owners assume that rope fish are tricky to care for. This couldn’t be further from the truth. These fish are kind, hardy, and a treat to care for.
Lifespan
The average rope fish lifespan is 15 to 20 years in captivity. This is a very impressive length of time which means you’ll likely have yours for a while!
It’s important to note that this is assuming that your rope fish is getting proper care. If they live in poor water quality or have an insufficient diet then they won’t live nearly as long.
Size
The average rope fish size can reach just over two feet in length when fully grown. This makes for quite a sight while they swim and means that you’ll need to provide them with ample space to keep them comfortable (more on that in the following section).
Tank Size
The minimum recommended tank size for one rope fish is 50 gallons. These are large fish and need enough room to stay comfortable and live a stress-free life.
If you decide to keep multiple rope fish in the same tank you should add another 10-15 gallons for every extra fish. This will make sure they all have their own space and can stay out of each other’s way when necessary.
Water Parameters
Rope fish care is pretty forgiving when it comes to water parameters. With that being said, we always recommend aiming for the “sweet spot” to maximize their comfort and lifespan.
- Water temperature: 72-82° F
- pH levels: 6-7.5
- Water hardness: 8-22 KH
You should always make sure to perform regular water level checks to ensure the conditions are suitable for your rope fish. While these fish are hardy and can handle a wide range of levels, they can be sensitive to shifts within that range.
Rope fish are carnivores which means you’ll need to give them meaty foods as a staple in their diet. This will ensure that they get an adequate amount of protein and nutrients (as well as enrichment).
Some of the best foods to give them are bloodworms, chopped meat, frozen meat-based food, insect larva, and beef hearts. Some owners will give them flakes and pellets to round out their diet, but the rope fish that have lived the longest have usually been fed a meaty diet.
Sometimes you might want to sprinkle in some live food into their diet as well. We like doing this for the sake of enrichment from time to time. While it’s not the most convenient option for you as an owner, it’s something your fish will appreciate.
Rope Fish Tank Mates
There are a number of rope fish tank mates that you can pick from if you want to keep these fish in a community tank.
Here are some great tank mate options:
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