Erpetoichthys calabaricus Common Names: Rope Fish, Reed Fish, Snake Fish

Rope Fish (Snake Fish)

Looking for something truly unique? The Rope Fish, also known as the Snake Fish, is one of the coolest freshwater fish you can own. With its long, eel-like body and curious personality, this prehistoric-looking fish is always a conversation starter.

Despite their appearance, Rope Fish are peaceful and spend much of their time slowly exploring the aquarium, weaving through plants, driftwood, and decorations. They’re surprisingly interactive and often learn to recognize their owners, especially around feeding time.

Why people love Rope Fish:
• Unique snake-like appearance
• Peaceful temperament
• Tons of personality
• Great centerpiece fish for larger aquariums
• Fun to watch as they explore every inch of the tank

Care Info:

Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Common Names: Rope Fish, Reed Fish, Snake Fish
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: 14–18 inches
Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Diet: Carnivore
Difficulty: Intermediate

Rope Fish need plenty of hiding places with driftwood, rocks, or plants, along with open areas to explore. They are incredible escape artists, so a tight-fitting lid is a must—they can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.

They do best with peaceful tank mates that are too large to fit in their mouths. Small fish like neon tetras may eventually become a snack.

Feed sinking carnivore pellets along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, shrimp, krill, earthworms, and other meaty foods. They are most active during the evening and at night.

Shipping Info:

We ship fish on Monday and Tuesday so they arrive quickly and safely. Orders usually arrive Wednesday or Thursday.

All fish are packed carefully with insulation and heat or cold packs when needed.

Live arrival is guaranteed as long as someone is available to receive the package on the first delivery attempt.

Color and size may vary depending on age and natural variation.

Availability: We do our best to keep our inventory up to date, but quantities available are subject to change without notice. If we’re unable to fulfill part of your order, we’ll automatically refund the difference.