Ropefish
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
What you need to keep a Ropefish
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pH
6–8
Temperature
22–28 °C
Max size
40 cm
Min tank
350 L
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Ropefish, also called the Reedfish or Snakefish, is a fascinating eel-like member of the ancient bichir family that slithers through the water with undulating, snake-like movements. Its long, slender body can reach 40 centimetres, and its small, bead-like eyes and perpetual "smile" give it an endearing appearance that belies its predatory nature. Unlike other bichirs, the Ropefish is more social and can be kept in groups, making it a unique and entertaining addition to a large aquarium.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Ropefish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 350L aquarium suits Ropefish. Provide hiding spots and stable, well-filtered water; it suits a community setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6–8 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Peaceful. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose tankmates of similar size and temperament with the same water needs. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it.
Breeding
Ropefish is rarely bred in captivity; most SA hobbyists buy from shops and breeders.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
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