Rope Fish Question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Z Trip

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Aug 15, 2006
1,924
7
68
Canada
I always see these things in the store with the sign that says "MAX:16"" Now I always thought they got to like36"-48". Now if they got that big, wouldnt they need a very lare tank? I would think they would get P.O. in something smaller then a 180 or something.:confused:

Thanks

Z
 
Ropes don't often get that big in aquaria, so they don't really need a big tank. In the wild, they may reach three feet, but in most people's tanks they max out at about two feet. Their tank size does not have to be very big. I keep mine in a 55g.
 
yeah they are a lazy fish that will take what they can get I would say keep them in a 60 or more and they should be fine.
 
yep, ropes are pretty lazy and very flexible so a large tank is not required. just be sure the over the top of your tank. these dudes will escape through the smallest of openings.
 
I disagree about the lazy part. My ropes are without a doubt the most active fish I have. The three of them in my 100 G are constantly on the move. If the rest of my bichirs were that active it'd be great.
 
mines pretty active too, but i think something along the lines of a 55 or 75g would be fine for an adult, theyr super flexible and dont need much space to move around.
 
active yes! but not going fast. thats where I get lazy they bumble around vs a catfish that will just take off and slam into the glass.
 
Crazy Taco;1376568; said:
active yes! but not going fast. thats where I get lazy they bumble around vs a catfish that will just take off and slam into the glass.

Think of it as graceful....not lazy. They casually swim where as a catfish is rushed....Gotta defend the ropes. One of my favorites.:naughty:
 
in the wild they may reach 3ft (max recorded size according to fishbase). In captivity, closer to 16"-20", and that will take a long time. and if you're very very patient, eventually it may reach 2ft.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com