Ropefish?

[AmenFashion]

Hey everyone,
I'm trying to figure out what kinds of fish to add to my community tank.
While I was at the pet store I came across some Ropefish, and fell in love.
But I wanted to do some research before adding them to my tank.

I currently have a 40 gallon tank with 2 plecos at the bottom. That's it right now.
Can Ropefish survive in a 40 gal? Are they compatible with most fish?

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

 

[Luananeko]

Sadly no, adult ropefish get quite large and would be stunted in a 40 gallon tank. They also will eat most fish that are suitable for a 40 gallon tank.

 

[bettaowner]

A rope fish would need a tank that is at least 70 gallons.

 

[hennaartist]

2 rope fish would be fine in a 40 gallon. They grow large, but their growth rate is slow. Make sure your tank is cycled, and there are absolutely NO holes larger than a 1/4 inch or they will escape (they can also get into filters sometimes if they find a way in). They don't breed in captivity, therefore they are wild caught and can be quite finicky about their food. I've had mine for a couple years and they eat dried tubifex cubes, frozen blood worms, live red wiggler worms, and live crickets. You will also need to provide them with a couple caves and/or tubes.
They are community fish and do not do well with aggressive or semi aggressive fish, however do keep on mind they will eat a fish if it fits in their mouth (so no neons, guppies, etc.)

 

[AmenFashion]

2 rope fish would be fine in a 40 gallon. They grow large, but their growth rate is slow. Make sure your tank is cycled, and there are absolutely NO holes larger than a 1/4 inch or they will escape (they can also get into filters sometimes if they find a way in). They don't breed in captivity, therefore they are wild caught and can be quite finicky about their food. I've had mine for a couple years and they eat dried tubifex cubes, frozen blood worms, live red wiggler worms, and live crickets. You will also need to provide them with a couple caves and/or tubes.
They are community fish and do not do well with aggressive or semi aggressive fish, however do keep on mind they will eat a fish if it fits in their mouth (so no neons, guppies, etc.)

I currently have 2 Blue Gourami and 2 Gold Gourami. I hear they can be aggressive to some types of fish?
I take it they aren't recommended with Ropefish?

 

[hennaartist]

I've had ropes with dwarf gourami's but I've never had regular gourami. They may get along, you would want to keep an eye on them for a few days.
However, my concern with your current stock in a 40 gallon, adding two ropes would likely cause your bio load to be over max capacity. You could check aqadvisor.com for more on that with your set up.