Rope Fish
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
A snake-like relative of Bichirs that looks like a living rope. Social and mostly peaceful — they intertwine with each other and explore every inch of the tank. Nocturnal escape artists that can breathe air.
Buy Rope Fish →Quick Facts
Water Parameters
Natural Habitat
Slow-moving rivers and vegetated swamps in West Africa. Found among root tangles and dense vegetation.
West Africa
Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin
Feeding
Carnivorous — frozen bloodworms, earthworms, shrimp, sinking carnivore pellets. Nocturnal feeders.
Compatible Tank Mates
Good Matches
Avoid
Breeding
Extremely rare in captivity. Not commercially bred.
Care Tips
THE most notorious escape artist — seal every gap in your lid
Social — keep at least two together
PVC pipe makes excellent hiding spots
Nocturnal — feed at lights-out
Can breathe air and survive out of water briefly
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