Ropefish

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

Rope-like body with an olive-brown back, yellow-orange belly and no pelvic fins.

Rope-like body with olive-brown back, yellow-orange belly and a dark pectoral-base patch; lacks the pelvic fins found in Polypterus.

Native range: Africa: coastal species, inhabiting river estuaries from Ouémé River in Benin to Sanaga River in Cameroon.

Natural habitat: Inhabits slow rivers and standing waters, associated with reed beds.

Appearance and identification

Much more slender than a Senegal bichir and lacks pelvic fins. Both need access to air; it is not a true eel.

Mostly nocturnal.

Prevent escapes while keeping surface breathing access; plan for adult size. Use a 150 × 60 cm base.

Offer suitable animal foods and make sure slow feeders get enough; it may not take pellets.

Small fish are prey.

Soft substrate, plants and wood can provide cover. Keep surfacing routes open.

Sources