Worried About New Ropefish

[Sailfin]

On Friday, 1/19/07 I purchased a new Ropefish. My father had one when I was a kid, but that was several years ago so this is the first one that completely belongs to me. Anyway, she (I'm assuming it's a she based on what I've read about the anal fins and 'spikes') seems to be acting pretty normal. Staying hidden throughout the day venturing out for a few minutes here and there.

I'm getting a little worried though because I have yet to see her eat anything despite my efforts to make sure she has food available. I know that Ropefish are nocturnal and that they have poor eyesight so at feeding time I've been shutting everything off in the room leaving just enough light for me to be able to see her moving around. Once I see her I'll drop a cube of frozen blood worms or beefheart right in front of her head, but she swims right by it. By the time she comes back around it's pretty much gone courtesy of the other fish. I can't keep dropping blocks of food in the tank, but I obviously don't want her to starve.

I know that Ropefish are wild caught so is it possible that she can smell the food, but still isn't sure if it's really food or not? How long does it normally take them to 'adjust' enough to their new home and start eating. Like I said, this is my first Ropefish so I'm not sure if this is normal or not. Any advice is welcome!

Also, just in case this is relevant. Her current tank mates consist of (Dojo and YoYo Loaches, Tiger Barbs, Opaline, Gold, and Pearl Gouramis, and a Sailfin Pleco). This tank is a 75 gallon with plenty of plants (fake) and hiding spots. It's also tightly secure to prevent her from finding a way out as I know these guys like to escape. One last note, I know that these fish do better in groups and as soon as more become available I'll be getting her a friend or two.

[jeffs99dime]

try using an unused turkey baster and "target feed" her. basically all that means is put the food in the baster with water from the tank and get the tip as close as possible to the ropefish and squeeze the ball. i've had to feed several fish this way over the years. let us know how you make out and welcome to a.c.thumbs2:

[Sailfin]

Thanks for the advice. What about adding feeder fish or ghost shrimp? I'm a little hesitant in adding feeder fish because I've heard that some of these fish carry diseases. I certainly don't want to feed my Ropefish something that'll make her ill. I'd feel more comfortable feeding the Ghost Shrimp, but believe it or not, they're kind of hard to come by around here. One store will have them for a few weeks and then stop for a couple of months. If feeder fish is a good route which kind of fish would be best? I've heard they like Neons, but I'm worried about Neon Tetra Disease.

[cocoa_pleco]

Not feeder goldfish, they are kept in the worst conditions. Usually regular 30 cent feeder guppies or white clouds area a bit better.
You ever considered brineshrimp?
try the baster like jeff said:4:


o, and, neons would be expensive food. 2 bucks each???

[Sailfin]

Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely keep the turkey baster in mind for new comers, but I didn't have to use it this time around. Last night I finally got to see her eat some frozen Beefheart! I was very excited to see her take the bit because now I know she's eating and I can sit back and enjoy her now. :)

[ropefishman]

I have owned ropefish for a while now and I have never seen iether of them eat anything so if you have 2 rope I recomend getting about 50-100 rosy reds or feeder gupies they will last about 2 weeks before they are all gone. But if you want them to eat them you should turn the lights out and make that room pitch black for at least 4-8 hours per day. Good luck and don't worry as longe as you follow these direction your fish will be fine.

[cocoa_pleco]

this thread is a month and a half old! lol