Ropefish - couple of questions

[punky]

Hi, I seem to be fascinated by these creatures and would like to own one. But I only have a 60g community to put it in (at the moment). Any particular tank mates live with a ropefish? Will it outgrow my 60g?

Thanks.

 

[megos1]

From my experience, he won't outgrow your 60. However, when he gets larger he will try to eat smaller tetras or even swords. They are noctournal eaters, and don't generally do well in a tank full of tankmates that will quickly eat all of the rope's lunch. I suggest feeding him just before you shut the light off at night and feeding them something that will quickly sink. They are tank jumpers, so make sure the top of your tank is closed up well. They need hiding caves and hiding places, because they have almost no defense mechanisms. Lastly, the ropes can breathe atmospheric air and absorb it in their intestines, so if you have crummy water don't fret.

I have had a lot of bad experiences with these fish and fungus. Which, unfortunately, I don't know that much about.

I hope I helped.

 

[joannde]

from what I've read they can get up to 36" and are noctural and are specialized feeders (live food). Here are some articles:
http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Oddball, Ropefish.htm
http://fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/265.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/polypterids.htm

Seems this fish will use up much of the available bioload in a 60G.

 

[Toirtis]

from what I've read they can get up to 36"

Perhaps, but I have seen thousands of captive specimens, and not one over 26"...and most 12"-22".

and are noctural and are specialized feeders (live food).

Mainly nocturnal, yes, but not specialised feeders....all 8 of my current specimens are quite happy with all sorts of frozen foods and a number of sinking pellets.

Seems this fish will use up much of the available bioload in a 60G.

Not really...in fact you could comfortably house 5-6 ropes in a 60.

 

[joannde]

Thanks for clearing up my bad info, Tortis.

 

[Mudfrog]

I had one for a little over a year then sold it to my brother with the rest of my bichirs.. they do typically eat at night but thats not to say they won't eat in the day. Mine would eat shrimp pellets, krill, shrimp, etc.. It would even hand feed from me, this ensured he got his portion of the meal

Very cool fish though.

 

[punky]

Thanks people for the advice. My tank is going to house 3 clown loaches and 2 plecos as bottom dwellers. I won't have any small fish such as neons. Do they nib fins? Since I may have 2 angel fish.

Thanks.

 

[RoK]

Any particular tank mates live with a ropefish?

Many fish can live with them just fine. If the tankmate(s) is/are too big to eat and don't bother the ropefish, they should all be fine (IME, so far anyway).