African Ropefish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)

A unique eel-like fish found in shallow, slow moving waters throughout West Africa, the African Ropefish or Reedfish is a close relative of Bichirs in the genus Polypterus. A popular if unusual fish in the hobby, the ropefish is an active and interesting aquarium resident that will do best in a medium to large aquarium with plenty of cover. In the wild, they feed on insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish but will generally accept frozen food in the aquarium and any tankmates large enough not to be eaten will be left alone. Ropefish are talented escape artists that can slip out of even a tiny opening, so their aquarium should be kept tightly covered at all times.