Ropefish

Ropefish key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

Up to 37cm SL

Temperature

23〜30℃

Diet

Meaty live and frozen foods such as prawns, earthworms, mussel and bloodworm

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a 150 x 60cm base of about 540 litres. Use a soft substrate with driftwood caves and dense planting. It escapes exceptionally readily, so seal every gap, including around filter pipework.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 23-30C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 5-20 dGH, while FishBase records pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 22-28C. It occurs in brackish water but is kept in fresh water without difficulty.

Tank Mates

It eats anything small enough but is not territorial and can be kept in groups. Synodontis, larger characins, severums and angelfish suit it. Very boisterous species will outcompete it at feeding time.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous and often refuses dried food. Offer prawns, earthworms, mussel and bloodworm, live or frozen. It moves slowly, so feeding after lights-out with food that reaches the bottom works best.

Breeding & Spawning

Breeding has not been recorded in aquaria. Males have 12-14 dorsal fin rays against 9-12 in females, and the male's anal fin thickens in breeding condition.

Health & Notes

It breathes air and will drown if it cannot surface. Escapes are the commonest cause of loss, so check the lid and every gap routinely. The IUCN rates it Near Threatened because of habitat loss; it is not listed by CITES.

About Ropefish

The Ropefish is a hardy West African tropical fish with a net-patterned, eel-like body. Suited to intermediate keepers, it grows up to 37cm and is a skilled escape artist.

7 things to know before welcoming a Ropefish

1. 1A Sealed Lid Is Essential

   Their slender body lets them squeeze through even small gaps, so a tightly sealed tank lid is a must. It's also worth blocking off any openings around filter tubing or cords.

2. 2Grows Up to 37cm

   Adults can reach up to 37cm in length, so it's best to plan for a tank sized for full growth from the start. Given its elongated shape, tank length matters more than depth.

3. 3Nocturnal and Shy by Day

   It typically hides among driftwood or decorations during the day and becomes more active at night. Providing driftwood or tube-like hiding spots helps it feel secure.

4. 4Prefers Slightly Brackish Water

   In the wild, it lives in brackish estuaries in West Africa. While it can be kept in freshwater, avoiding sudden water quality changes and maintaining stable conditions supports its health.

5. 5Hardy but Needs Some Experience

   It's a hardy fish that adapts well to changing conditions, but its unusual body shape and habits call for some prior experience, which is why it's considered suitable for intermediate keepers. First-time fishkeepers should build up basic experience before taking one on.

6. 6Care with Tank Mates

   It's generally docile and rarely aggressive toward other fish, but it may eat tank mates small enough to fit in its mouth. Choose tank mates with size compatibility in mind.

7. 7Responds Well to Live-Like Food

   As a nocturnal feeder, it relies on smell and vibration to locate food. Some individuals take time to adjust to prepared foods, so using frozen foods during the transition period can help.

Frequently asked questions about Ropefish

Q.Can beginners keep a Ropefish?

A.It's a hardy fish that tolerates environmental changes well, but managing its escape risk and nocturnal habits requires some know-how, so it's considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Building basic fishkeeping experience first is recommended.

Q.Why is it prone to escaping?

A.Its slender, rope-like body lets it wriggle through even the smallest gaps in a tank setup. A tank with a fully sealable lid is essential to prevent this.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults can grow up to about 37cm in length. Given its elongated body shape, it's best to prepare a sufficiently long tank in advance for its full-grown size.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.It's generally calm and not very aggressive, but it may eat smaller fish that fit in its mouth. Choosing tank mates of a similar size is the safer approach.

Q.Is it subject to CITES trade restrictions?

A.The Ropefish is not listed under CITES and falls outside that international trade regulation framework.

Useful tools for Ropefish care

Learn more about Ropefish in the encyclopedia

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