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Ropefish/Reedfish
Warning! As with many other eel-shaped fishes, ropefish are very good at escaping from tanks, and even into filters, so care should be taken to ensure that the aquarium has a well secured lid.
The ropefish or reedfish, Erpetoichthys calabaricus, is a relative of the better known bichirs (Polypterus spp.). It is a very elongate fish, with heavy scales like a gar, and a series of small dorsal fins along the back. The pectoral fins are small, and the pectoral fins are absent. They can grow to 90 cm (3 feet) in length, but remain long and eel-like. Ropefishes are essentially freshwater fish and do not need salt. They prefer soft or neutral waters, and only moderate hardness. They are common in the low salinity parts of the Niger delta. Keep these fishes in a community of other African fishes too large to be eaten and they do well; a specific gravity below 1.005 will allow the tank to be well planted. Although not yet bred in captivity, they are distinctly social and should be kept in a small school (3 to 6 individuals) with plenty or rocks and caves.