Can a Rope Fish Eat Meat?

Rope fish (Erpetoichthys calabricus) are tropical creatures who come from central and western regions of Africa, specifically the countries of Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin. Wild rope fish live in rivers that are full of dense plants. They look a little like snakes, hence the name. "Reedfish" is another handle frequently used for this species.

  1. Basic Information

    • Rope fish have lengthy physiques -- they can grow to nearly 15 inches -- that are adorned in scales of either brown or yellowish-green. The lower sections of their bodies are paler. Their heads have a somewhat "pressed down" appearance. Rope fish in their native habitats favor water that is sluggish and calm. As aquarium residents, these freshwater specimens are mostly serene and easygoing, although they should not live with fish that are tiny enough to eat. Since they are nocturnal animals, they sometimes come across as antisocial. Despite that, they thrive on being around fellow rope fish and should live alongside at least one other specimen. Roomy tanks are an absolute must for rope fish.

    Diet in the Wild

    • Free-roaming rope fish are omnivores and as a result can and do consume a lot of meaty sustenance. The wild diet for rope fish is made up of fleshy elements like tiny fish, wee crustaceans, bugs and worms. Rope fish don't exclusively feed on meat, however, and also handily take in plants such as algae. Meat, however, serves as the foundation for the species' feeding. They eat during the night hours, and are rarely out and about when it's light outside.

    Diet in Aquariums

    • Just as rope fish dine on meat in the wild, they dine on meat in captive environments, too. Rope fish appreciate meaty items in their diet, and both frozen and live sustenance work well for them. Some common staples of their aquarium diets are bloodworms, tubifex worms, earthworms, crickets, bug larvae and diced seafood. When it comes to meat, rope fish aren't choosy.

    Tablets and Pellets

    • In the case of rope fish who have been living in aquariums for a while, commercial tablets and pellets might both be possible suitable dietary additions. However, many rope fish are reluctant to eat them, at least initially.