Description

The Ropefish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus), also known as the Reedfish, Snakefish, or Rope Eel, is a very popular and unique member of the Polypterid/bichir family. It is very eel-like in appearance and is sometimes referred to as a an eel, although it is not a true eel. It is an extremely hardy species that is very versatile. All Ropefish and bichirs posess a modified swim bladder that allows them to breathe atmospheric air and live in water that is very low in oxygen. In fact, they are often able to live out of water for extended periods of time as long as they remain moist.

绳鱼（Erpetoichthys calabaricus），又名芦苇鱼、蛇鱼或绳鳗，是多鳍鱼科中一种非常受欢迎且独特的鱼类。它的外形酷似鳗鱼，有时也被称为鳗鱼，但它并非真正的鳗鱼。绳鱼是一种生命力极其顽强且适应性很强的鱼类。所有绳鱼和多鳍鱼都拥有改良的鱼鳔，使它们能够呼吸空气，并在低氧水中生存。事实上，只要保持身体湿润，它们通常能够在离开水的情况下存活很长时间。

Feeding is relatively easy for the Ropefish. It has not yet been commercially bred in captivity, so it will sometimes ignore dry foods, at least initially. It should primarily be fed a varied diet of frozen and live meaty foods such as bloodworms, shrimp, and prawns, but it may eventually accept sinking dry foods as well.

绳鱼的喂养相对容易。由于目前尚未实现人工商业繁殖，它们有时会忽略干饲料，至少在初期是这样。绳鱼的主要食物应以冷冻和活体肉类食物为主，例如血虫、虾和对虾，但最终它们也可能会接受沉底的干饲料。

Ropefish and Bichirs are not afraid to jump or leave the water, so a tight-fitting lid is necessary to prevent them from escaping the aquarium. They also must be able to come to the surface to breathe air occasionally or else they will drown.

绳鱼和多鳍鱼不怕跳跃或离开水面，因此必须使用密封性好的鱼缸盖来防止它们逃出。它们也必须能够偶尔浮出水面呼吸空气，否则就会溺水。