Home/Store/Fish Out of Stock
Rope Fish/Reed Fish - (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)
+3
+2

Rope Fish/Reed Fish - (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)

$25.00
Sold out
Price of shipping is not included.
Size
Sold out
Save this fish to my favorites.
Customer reviews
Reviews only from verified customers
No reviews yet. You can buy this product and be the first to leave a review.
Share this product with your friends
ShareSharePin it
Rope Fish/Reed Fish - (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)
Fish Details, Description and Information Below:

🐟 Rope Fish / Reed Fish – (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) – Primitive Freshwater Oddball for Sale

The Rope Fish, also known as the Reed Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus), is a long, eel-like freshwater species native to slow-moving rivers and swamps in West and Central Africa. Closely related to bichirs, it has a serpentine body, small pectoral fins, and the ability to breathe atmospheric air, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen environments.

Its prehistoric appearance, unique swimming style, and generally peaceful nature make it a fascinating addition to large community or oddball aquariums.


🔎 Quick Facts – Rope Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)

  • 📛 Common Name: Rope Fish, Reed Fish, Snake Fish
  • 🔬 Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
  • 🌍 Origin: West and Central Africa – Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo Basin
  • 🎨 Appearance: Long, eel-like body with olive to greenish-brown coloration and small dorsal finlets along the back
  • 📏 Max Size: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm)
  • 💎 Rarity: Regularly available; mostly wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

  • 🐟 Peaceful, suitable for large community or oddball tanks
  • ⚠️ Will eat very small fish that fit in its mouth
  • 🪵 Nocturnal and secretive, but will explore more once comfortable
  • 👫 Can be kept singly or in groups if space allows

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

  • 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons for one, larger for multiples
  • 🪵 Fine sand or smooth gravel substrate with hiding spots from driftwood, rocks, or PVC tubes
  • 🌿 Hardy plants or floating vegetation for shade
  • 💡 Low to moderate lighting to mimic natural habitat
  • ⚠️ Secure lid required—excellent escape artists

💧 Water Parameters – Rope Fish Care

  • 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
  • ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
  • 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

  • 🦐 Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp
  • 🪱 Earthworms, blackworms, and insect larvae
  • 🐟 Small pieces of shrimp or fish fillet
  • 🚫 Avoid feeder fish due to disease risk

📋 Rope Fish / Reed Fish Care Overview Table

Feature Details
🌍 Origin West & Central Africa
📏 Max Size 30–36 inches (75–90 cm)
😇 Temperament Peaceful, predatory towards small fish
🏠 Tank Size 55+ gallons
⚗️ pH Range 6.5–7.5
🌡️ Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C)
🍽️ Diet Carnivorous
🎯 Ideal For Oddball and large community aquariums

✨ Highlight:

  • The Rope Fish is a living relic of prehistoric times, combining the charm of a peaceful oddball with the allure of a primitive, air-breathing predator—perfect for aquarists seeking something truly unique.
Show More
Below are fish you may also like.
Captive Bred
Red Head Bahia Eartheater - (Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Bahia)
Red Head Bahia Eartheater - (Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Bahia)
Red Head Bahia Eartheater - (Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Bahia)
Price of shipping is not included.
$20.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Iranian Cichlid/Hormoz Cichlid - (Iranocichla hormuzensis)
Iranian Cichlid/Hormoz Cichlid - (Iranocichla hormuzensis)
Iranian Cichlid/Hormoz Cichlid - (Iranocichla hormuzensis)
Price of shipping is not included.
$300.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L515 Banded Prince Pleco - (Panaqolus sp.)
L515 Banded Prince Pleco - (Panaqolus sp.)
L515 Banded Prince Pleco - (Panaqolus sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$35.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Marbled Fenestratus - (Vieja fenestrata)
Marbled Fenestratus - (Vieja fenestrata)
Marbled Fenestratus - (Vieja fenestrata)
Price of shipping is not included.
$150.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Vazzoleri Peacock Bass - (Cichla vazzoleri)
Vazzoleri Peacock Bass - (Cichla vazzoleri)
Vazzoleri Peacock Bass - (Cichla vazzoleri)
Price of shipping is not included.
$200.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Corumbataia cuestae
Corumbataia cuestae
Corumbataia cuestae
Price of shipping is not included.
$30.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L410 Gold Touch Zebra Pleco - (Hypancistrus sp.)
L410 Gold Touch Zebra Pleco - (Hypancistrus sp.)
L410 Gold Touch Zebra Pleco - (Hypancistrus sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$40.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Phase III Luteus Pleco/Golden Sailfin Pleco- (Hypostomus Luteus) Argentina
Phase III Luteus Pleco/Golden Sailfin Pleco- (Hypostomus Luteus) Argentina
Phase III Luteus Pleco/Golden Sailfin Pleco- (Hypostomus Luteus) Argentina
Price of shipping is not included.
was $1 100.00
Save 14%
$950.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Golden Dwarf Cichlid - (Nannacara anomala)
Golden Dwarf Cichlid - (Nannacara anomala)
Golden Dwarf Cichlid - (Nannacara anomala)
Price of shipping is not included.
$30.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Black Stripe Tetra - (Hyphessobrycon Melanostichos)
Black Stripe Tetra - (Hyphessobrycon Melanostichos)
Black Stripe Tetra - (Hyphessobrycon Melanostichos)
Price of shipping is not included.
$30.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Bengal Reticulated Puffer - (Chelonodontops bengalensis)
Bengal Reticulated Puffer - (Chelonodontops bengalensis)
Bengal Reticulated Puffer - (Chelonodontops bengalensis)
Price of shipping is not included.
$250.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Albino Ruby Red Peacock - (Aulonocara sp. Maleri)
Albino Ruby Red Peacock - (Aulonocara sp. Maleri)
Albino Ruby Red Peacock - (Aulonocara sp. Maleri)
Price of shipping is not included.
$50.00
Out of stock
  • Search for Fish
  • My Account
  • Track Orders
  • Favorite Fish.
  • Fish Shopping Bag
Powered by Lightspeed
Display prices in:USD
Skip to main content
ENES
Menu
Home
Shop For Fish
Terms & Conditions/FAQ
Shipping & Payments
About Us
Contact Us
© Jasons Plecos & Cichlids LLC 2017-2025
Language:
ENES
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyShipping & Payment InfoReturn PolicyQuarantine Your FishReport abuse
Powered by Lightspeed