Hobbies And Interests
Identification
The Polypteridae family includes several species of fish native to the Nile and Congo river systems, commonly called bichir. According to the Encarta Encyclopedia, the pectoral fins of bichir exhibit an external base in the pectoral fins, a unique characteristic among known extant species. Because the heads of bichir resemble that of snakes, the name snakefish is often applied to members of the family. The ropefish is the only known member of the genus Erpetoichthys. Other common names the ropefish include reedfish or simply bichir, although, technically, bichir are cousins.
Water
According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, the natural waters of the ropefish are flowing rivers, flood plains and river deltas of tropical Africa. In captivity, the ropefish thrives in freshwater environments and don't require salt, although the fish can survive and do well in brackish waters. Ropefish appear to like cover such as rocks, plants and artificial hiding places. In an aquarium environment, the tank should be covered at all times, as ropefish are known for jumping out and getting into tank filter systems.
Eating Habits
Nocturnal predators, ropefish hunt at night in natural habitats. Likewise, in an aquarium environment, the fish feed mainly at night. Ropefish are natural omnivores but seem to prefer flesh of other animals such as smaller fish, insects, worms, frogs and crustaceans. The species is also known to feed on algae and dead organisms. In captivity, the fish can be fed bloodworms, night crawlers and brine shrimp, among other foods.
Other Characteristics
Ropefish are not known to breed in captivity. However, being social fish, the species does best in small groups of its own kind. Ropefish do well in an aquarium environment with other species of African fish that are too large to be prey. Equipped with primitive lungs, the rope fish can breathe air for a limited period.