If, as a hobbyist, you are looking for one of the most unique additions you could possibly think of for your tank, the Rope Fish has to rank high on your list.
Not only is this species considered a ‘living fossil,’ it practically provides you with three species in one: fish, eel, and snake. They are the only species representing the Erpetoichthys genus on the planet.
Pretty amazing for something you can have around the home in one unique living specimen.
In addition to having characteristics of three species, it has the ability to live in or out of water. Possessing a lung-like structure along with a number of ancient features almost unrecognizable in fish of more recent eras, the Rope Fish makes for an intriguing consideration to add to your community.
The Rope Fish is also known as the Reedfish, Snake Fish, and African Rope Fish.
They are carnivorous freshwater fish native to slow-moving river basins in Central and West African river systems. They are typically found in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Let’s take a look at what makes these fish so unique and why they are an incredibly diverse addition to existing tanks for enthusiasts.
Rope Fish Behavior
The Rope Fish is a predominantly nocturnal fish when it comes to activity. In the wild, they hunt at night and scour the water for their prey.
They are a rather peaceful bunch which contradicts their often scary-looking appearance, but they do make an easygoing addition for the right community. They are not aggressive and are great with anything that isn’t small enough to resemble a possible meal.
Their stealthiness makes them superb at sneak attacks on prey, so ensure you choose wisely when it comes to tank mates, as most will lose the battle when confronted with a hungry Rope Fish.
Given their shape, they like to occupy lower levels of the tank and are usually found patrolling the tank floor. They have an excellent sense of smell and use this to hunt as well as root around in substrate when the mood suits them. They have rather poor eyesight, so this makes a lot of sense.
However, as we mentioned earlier, they do possess a lung-type structure, so they will occasionally drift to the top for a gulp of fresh air.
While this organ may seem like a real advantage for this fish, it’s actually a necessary evil that means they must surface for air rendering them less able to hide from predators. The reason this is absolutely necessary is that while they do possess gills, they are incredibly inefficient and do not gas exchange favorably for this fish.
Caught between a rock and a poor combo of lungs/gills, this is fish that has to make do with not one but two types of respiration that are just so-so. We can only assume this is where evolution took over!
These fish are also not for the fainthearted when it comes to keeping them contained should you choose to house one.
They are incredibly gifted escape artists who are adept at weaseling their way out of even the smallest gap, so tank security and an eye for detail are a must.
A surprising ability to jump and dislodge even the hardiest looking of tank lids means that not only do you need a cover, but it must be securely fastened.
Rope Fish Lifespan
If you plan on taking on a Rope Fish, it’s a proper commitment. These fish can easily live for 15-20 years which rivals most cats and dogs!
We will discuss more on tank requirements a little later in this article.
Rope Fish Appearance
The Rope Fish gets its name from its long rope-shaped body.
Resembling an eel or snake is the easiest way to describe this fish. Long, tubular bodies that can reach 15 inches long at full maturity means you will need to ensure you have a large tank long enough to accommodate their swimming requirements.
These fish are scaled, and they are shaped much like a snake or eel’s scales which are diamond-shaped.
Brownish-green coloration allows them to camouflage nicely amongst the reeds in the wild, avoiding overhead detection.
They possess powerful jaws and peg-like teeth that are advantageous for feeding and hunting.
What distinguishes them from being true lookalikes for eels or snakes is the presence of small fins. Whilst reduced in size, they do exist and help these fish move both in water and even on land.
Small, yellowish pectoral fins are aligned just behind the flattened, snake-shaped head. There does happen to be a rayed dorsal fin, but it is usually flattened and rarely spotted raised to the observer.
There is little to no sexual dimorphism as males and females generally look the same. You would likely need an expert to sex these fish if breeding was on your agenda.
Rope Fish Habitat And Tank Requirements
The Rope Fish is primarily considered a tropical freshwater fish, but they also succeed in brackish waters. They are hardy fish that are easy to care for, but they do need large tanks to accommodate their lengthy proportions.
These fish thrive in waters with low oxygenation, which likely explains why they have the primitive lung capacity to assist their respiration. This allows them to exploit a habitat where most fish would fail.
They do need rather warm water, so a heater is a must to keep them within happy parameters.
Rope Fish are also prolific waste makers, so you are going to need to factor in some serious filtration to keep your tank from becoming a mess in short order.
Let’s look at some specifics that are needed.
Tank Conditions
Rope Fish like consistent water quality, and they need a tank setup that believably mimics their natural habitat.
Sand or coral sand-type soft substrates are perfect and keep these low swimmers from injuring themselves on sharper bases.
They like rocks, clay pots, and anything else that they can slither and wind themselves around and within. They naturally like to take overhead cover as in the wild, their predominant predation is from above water opportunists. So bear this in mind when designing your tank and do an eagle eye view to see if they have enough space to conceal themselves to avoid stress.
Plants are essential, and the reedier, the better, as this is where they naturally seek out cover in the wild. They need a heavily planted aquarium. Java Fern, Crystalwort, corkscrew Vallisneria and Amazon Ferns are ideal but avoid top layer floating plants as these fish may make use of them for hatching escape plans.
Filtration needs are huge. Canister filters should do the trick and as are regular water changes.
Because they normally reside in slower-moving waters, extra air pumps and movement devices are not required.
We will reiterate here that a secure fitting lid is an absolute must, or have a Rope Fish at your peril! You should even consider ensuring that your filtration tube is secure and has mesh preventing an overly inquisitive Rope Fish from investigating. Many have perished as a result of getting stuck in the filtration system due to their innate curiosity.
Water changes should occur weekly of at least 20%, if not more, along with additional siphoning of the substrate to remove debris and biological wastes.
Water conditions should be noted, tested regularly, and maintained as follows:
- pH of 6.0 – 7.5
- Water hardness < 29 dGH
- Temperature between 79 – 86ºF ( 26 – 30ºC)
- Lighting should be dim or low light circadian cycles
Tank Size
The minimum tank size needed is 55 gallons.
For any additional Rope Fish you decide to add, you should increase the volume by 10 gallons per fish.
You really must use a horizontal/rectangular-shaped tank to allow them to reach their full potential and have a captive life that caters to their needs.
Longer tanks are preferred, and if you can use shallower water levels, this can help reduce their propensity for jumping for land excursions.
Choosing Tank Mates For Rope Fish
There are a lot of choices for Rope Fish as long as you factor in size, considering that they are carnivorous fish and will consume anything that moves that is small enough for them to eat.
Their easygoing nature makes them a great addition to add to the lower population in your tank if you have a large community and want to add more dimension to that strata.
Here are your best bets if you wish to add more company to your blackwater tank:
- Tinfoil Barbs
- Bala Sharks
- Large Gouramis
- Rainbow Fish
- Angelfish
- Larger catfish
- Hatchetfish
- Clown Loaches
Avoid anything like Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Tetras, Rasboras, and any other small invertebrates. You will also want to avoid aggressive species like Cichlids, who might give your Rope Fish a hard time and stress it out.
Feeding Rope Fish
Rope Fish are happy to eat just about anything if presented.
They often swallow prey whole despite the presence of their rather fearsome peg teeth designed to crush and grind prey.
You can choose to feed them flake and pellet foods, but meatier types of foods are best and are well accepted. Live foods are ideal, even if not the most convenient, but your Rope Fish will appreciate the effort.
Ideal food for Rope Fish include:
- Earthworms
- Chopped meat of any kind
- Frogs
- Brine or Mysis Shrimp
- Miniature Shrimp species
- Live insects including mosquitoes or crickets
Rope Fish Common Health Issues
The most pressing issue with having Rope Fish is keeping water conditions consistent. They do not take kindly to fluctuations in water condition, and this has been the downfall of many a keeper.
As with all freshwater fish, Ich is an illness you need to keep an eye out for. White spotting on the body is often indicative of this parasite.
Warning signs that all is not well with your Rope Fish include:
- Loss of appetite
- Slowed swimming and movements
- Color changes
- Wounds or sores
How To Breed Rope Fish
While these fish are easily cared for even by the novice once the right tank setup is devised, they are a decidedly expert challenge if breeding is in your sights.
As noted earlier, they are quite tricky to sex, although it is said that the male has a slightly thicker anal fin. Really you would have to leave this to an expert.
It’s actually quite rare to successfully breed Rope Fish, not least because of their size and tank requirements needed to house two. And if there is uncertainty about the sex of your two specimens, well, need we say more.
Most Rope Fish purchased for hobbyists are wild-caught.
If you happen to successfully have a male-female pairing, you might find eggs attached to vegetation if things happen as they should.
These fish eggs should hatch in about 70 hours, and if you succeed in that, they should be separated to avoid being consumed by other tank inhabitants.
Conclusion
As long as you are diligent about maintaining the necessary water parameters that will keep them happy, they will reward you with an interesting display fish that will surely intrigue and provoke discussion with visitors.
Their high compatibility with other peaceful freshwater fish makes them lovely additions for someone looking for something unique or quirky in their usual setup.
There is something to be said for being able to say that you have something known as a ‘living fossil’ in your home. Interesting behavior, swimming action, looks, and character make this a fish to consider if you’re ready to step up and try something completely different in your tank community.
