Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Ropefish
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Also called Reedfish, Snakefish
Calm and inquisitive, and not territorial towards its own kind.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Length | 37 to 90 cm (15 to 35 in)123 |
| Coat | Very long, snake-like body covered in hard, interlocking scales |
| Origin | West-Central Africa: slow rivers, still waters and reedy estuary margins from the Ouémé River in Benin to the Sanaga River in Cameroon, including Nigeria.12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Calm and inquisitive, and not territorial towards its own kind. It will however treat any tankmate small enough to swallow as food, so companions should be medium to large, calm fish such as larger characins, Synodontis catfish, angelfish or severums.23
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ropefish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Looks how to spot one
Very long, snake-like body covered in hard, interlocking scales
A slender, rope-like fish with no pelvic fins and a row of small separate finlets along the back. The upper body is dark olive to brown and the belly is a warm yellow or orange; males lean greener and females more yellow-brown.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Most active at dusk and night, when it glides along the bottom hunting. It can swim in waves like an eel or paddle slowly with its pectoral fins.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A tight, gap-free lid is a must because it is a skilled escaper. It breathes air as well as using gills, so the water surface must stay reachable. Keep water changes regular and chemistry steady, as it dislikes sudden pH shifts.32
Home where they are happiest
Tropical freshwater, tolerating slightly brackish water. Seriously Fish suggests a tank with a base of about 150 x 60 cm (around 540 L) for an adult, 23-30 °C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 5-20 dGH; FishBase gives 22-28 °C and pH 6.0-8.0. Soft sand, plants, roots and plenty of hiding spots suit it.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivore. In the wild it eats worms, small crustaceans, insects, snails and small fish. In the aquarium it prefers meaty live or frozen foods such as earthworms, bloodworm, prawn and mussel, and often ignores dry food.213
Company who they like around
Can be kept singly or in a small group, since ropefish are not territorial with each other. Avoid very fast, pushy feeders that would beat it to food.3
The story where it all began
The ropefish was named by Smith in 1865 and sits alone in its own genus within the ancient bichir family. Its genus name comes from Greek words meaning 'creeping thing' and 'fish'. Aquarium specimens are still collected from the wild because captive breeding has not been achieved.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Ropefish sometimes leave the water and slither across damp ground like a snake, both in the wild and in aquariums.2
- 2
Its young have feathery external gills, which makes them look more like salamander larvae than fish.1
- 3
Its swim bladder works as a lung, so it regularly rises to the surface to gulp air.3
- 4
During courtship the pair swims side by side, and the eggs are released into a pocket formed by the male's anal fin.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FishBase
- Described by Smith in 1865; the only member of the genus Erpetoichthys, family Polypteridae (bichirs).1
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Near Threatened (assessed 2019).1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Ropefish?
Feed your ropefish daily, as Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests. Offer meaty live or frozen foods like earthworms or bloodworm, and adjust the amount based on what it eats in a few minutes. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Ropefish eat, and what should it never eat?
Your ropefish is a carnivore that loves meaty live or frozen foods like earthworms, bloodworm, prawn, and mussel. It often ignores dry food, so avoid relying on flakes or pellets. Never feed it anything that could be too large to swallow or that isn't a safe meaty option.213
How much space does a Ropefish need?
An adult ropefish needs a large tank, ideally with a base of about 150 x 60 cm (around 540 liters). This gives it room to glide along the bottom and explore. For exact sizing, consult a good breeder or exotic-pet vet.3
What temperature, light or water does a Ropefish need?
Keep the water tropical freshwater at 23-30 °C, with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and hardness of 5-20 dGH. It can tolerate slightly brackish conditions. Provide soft sand, plants, and hiding spots, and ensure the water surface is reachable for air breathing.31
How often should I clean a Ropefish's home?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% of the water, along with weekly water tests. Rinse the filter every two weeks. Regular cleaning keeps the water steady, which your ropefish needs. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Ropefish live with others?
Yes, ropefish are calm and not territorial with their own kind, so you can keep one or a small group. Choose medium to large, calm tankmates like larger characins or angelfish, and avoid any fish small enough to be swallowed.23
How long does a Ropefish live?
Ropefish can live for many years with proper care, but exact lifespan varies. For specific details, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Ropefish?
Handling is not recommended because ropefish are skilled escapers and need a tight, gap-free lid. They breathe air and have delicate scales, so it's best to admire them in their tank. If you must move them, use a soft container.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Senegal BichirWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Erpetoichthys calabaricus, Reedfish - FishBase fishbase.seused for origin, taxonomy, IUCN status, size, water parameters, diet, breeding, fun facts
- Reedfish - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, colours, behaviour, diet, history, fun facts
- Erpetoichthys calabaricus - Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, compatibility, lid, air breathing
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.