{"product_id":"rope-fish-erpetoichthys-calabaricus","title":"Rope Fish - Erpetoichthys Calabaricus","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRope Fish | A Prehistoric and Fascinating Freshwater Oddity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: Rope Fish are available for local pickup and delivery only and cannot be shipped.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Rope Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus), also known as the Reed Fish or Snake Fish, is one of the most ancient, unusual, and captivating fish available in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to the slow-moving, densely vegetated rivers, swamps, and floodplains of West and Central Africa — from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo — this extraordinary creature is a living relic of prehistoric times, belonging to a primitive family of fish that has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. With its long, sinuous, snake-like body, armoured scales, and paddle-like pectoral fins, the Rope Fish moves through the water with an effortless, undulating grace that is unlike anything else in the freshwater hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDespite their intimidating appearance, Rope Fish are peaceful, docile, and surprisingly personable — quickly learning to recognise their keepers and readily accepting food from the hand. They are a genuinely unique and rewarding long-term aquarium companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn Ancient Survivor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Rope Fish is a member of the Polypteridae family — the bichirs — one of the oldest lineages of ray-finned fish on Earth. Like all polypterids, it possesses a primitive lung-like organ that allows it to breathe air directly from the surface, meaning it can survive brief periods out of water. This adaptation also makes it remarkably hardy in low-oxygen environments — but a tight-fitting, gap-free lid is absolutely non-negotiable, as Rope Fish are relentless and highly capable escape artists that will exploit any opening, no matter how small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRope Fish Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eScientific name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAlso known as: Reed Fish, Snake Fish, African Rope Fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOrigin: West and Central Africa — Nigeria to Republic of Congo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCurrent size: approximately 8 inches (20 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAdult size: up to 15–18 inches (38–45 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMinimum tank size: 55 gallons — longer tanks strongly preferred over taller ones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTemperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003epH: 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHardness: soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePrimarily nocturnal — most active after lights out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLifespan: 15–20 years with good care — a genuine long-term commitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRope Fish Tank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA spacious aquarium with a soft sandy substrate, plenty of hiding spots, and dense planting or driftwood suits Rope Fish perfectly. They are crepuscular to nocturnal by nature and spend much of the day resting in sheltered spots — PVC pipes, hollow driftwood, ceramic caves, and dense plant thickets all provide ideal daytime retreats. Gentle to moderate filtration is preferred, as these fish come from slow-moving waters and dislike strong currents. Subdued lighting helps them feel more confident and venture out during daylight hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA tight, completely gap-free lid is the single most critical aspect of keeping Rope Fish successfully. They are extraordinary escape artists and will find and exploit any opening — including gaps around filter tubes, heater cords, and airline tubing. A fish on the floor is unfortunately a common story with this species. Seal every gap without exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Your Rope Fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCarnivorous predators with poor eyesight that rely primarily on smell to locate food. They readily accept frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, earthworms, prawns, mussels, and chopped fish. With patience and consistent target feeding, most individuals can be trained to accept high quality sinking carnivore pellets. Feed after lights out for best results — Rope Fish are far more active and responsive to food in low light conditions. Use tongs or a pipette to deliver food directly in front of the fish for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex-1 flex flex-col px-4 max-w-3xl mx-auto w-full pt-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"feed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"article\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group group\/message-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"contents\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group relative relative pb-[var(--msg-assistant-pb,0.75rem)]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"font-claude-response relative leading-[1.65rem] [\u0026amp;_pre\u0026gt;div]:bg-bg-000\/50 [\u0026amp;_pre\u0026gt;div]:border-0.5 [\u0026amp;_pre\u0026gt;div]:border-border-400 [\u0026amp;_.ignore-pre-bg\u0026gt;div]:bg-transparent [\u0026amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [\u0026amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [\u0026amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [\u0026amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"standard-markdown grid-cols-1 grid [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*_+_*]:mt-3 standard-markdown\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRope Fish Tank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTank mate selection is critical with Rope Fish — they are ambush predators that hunt by smell, primarily at night, and will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. As they grow to 15–18 inches (38–45 cm) at adulthood, the list of fish they cannot eat becomes shorter over time. Plan your tank with their adult size in mind from the start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable Tank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBichirs of similar size — a classic and natural pairing; closely related and share identical water requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSilver Dollars and other large, robust schooling fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLarge peaceful cichlids such as Severums, Angelfish, and Blood Parrots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLarger Gouramis such as Giant Gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLarge rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOther Rope Fish — they are social and do better in pairs or small groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAny small fish such as tetras, rasboras, danios, livebearers, and small barbs — they will be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCorydoras of any species — even larger varieties are at risk from a fully grown Rope Fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eShrimp and invertebrates of any size — guaranteed prey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAggressive or boisterous large cichlids such as Oscars and Flowerhorns that will bully and stress them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Note on Long Term Commitment\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"standard-markdown grid-cols-1 grid [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*_+_*]:mt-3 standard-markdown\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"standard-markdown grid-cols-1 grid [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;_*_+_*]:mt-3 standard-markdown\"\u003eWith a potential lifespan of 15–20 years, keeping a Rope Fish is a genuine long-term commitment. These are not fish to purchase on impulse — they deserve a dedicated, well-planned setup and an owner prepared to care for them for many years. For the right aquarist, they are one of the most rewarding and fascinating fish in the freshwater hobby.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex justify-start ml-0.5\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flow-root\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ml-1 mt-6 flex items-center transition-transform duration-300 ease-out\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"p-1 -translate-x-px\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"8\"","offer_id":48543751864542,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/Photo_c76bf674-ca83-49a4-aa92-26174c534b16.png?v=1741201181","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/rope-fish-erpetoichthys-calabaricus","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}