I Need Help to I.D my fish as either a Ropefish or a Bichir

Nameless · Senior Member Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 958

I was looking at pictures of ropefish and then I stumbled across a couple pictures that resembled my fish even closer than the pictures that resembled the ropefish. Since I got my fish I wasn't sure what it was so I asked around and I was told that I had a ropefish so I accepted that, but now I am wondering if the reason why a lot of advise given to me is not of much help because for this whole time my ropefish really is not a ropefish but is a bichir.
I found a website with a picture that looks like my fish. Its a sengal bichir. I know of a picture that looks exactly like my fish but I can't find it, but I will look for it. If I find anymore links then I will let you know.

Thanks for your posts.

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/poly-sen.htm[/url]

Nameless · Senior Member Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 958

I found the site, my fish looks exactly like this fish right here.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/117002900/117005287bmzuYc. your help is greatly appreciated!

Nameless · Senior Member Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 958

I still haven't found anymore pics online, any help anyone?

DUCKLE-BUM · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:55 pm Post subject:

I couldn't follow the first link you posted, but the second link does resemble my ropefish, although my fish is more of a browny/orangy colour like this http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/gallery/misc/calabaricus.html

To be honest I don't know much about bichirs but they do seem to be more grey than a ropefish.

Hope this helps Very Happy

DUCKLE-BUM · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:59 pm Post subject:

I've just had a quick look around on the web and the bichirs I have seen have well developed frontal fins (almost like the beginnings of feet!)
I guess both ropefish and bichirs have very similar origins,
(I believe the ropefish date back some 60 million years!.) but my ropefish has strong fins in the right places for feet, but it doesn't use them as such.

Nameless · Senior Member Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 958

I c, have you ever seen any other ropefish at your lfs? Are they more orangy like yours or more gray like mine.

Fish Addict · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:58 am Post subject:

they are more orange

DUCKLE-BUM · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:29 am Post subject:

All the ropefish I have seen in LFS have been very orange.
I'll try and get a pick to post soon

Nameless · Senior Member Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 958

Really? I have you ever seen any fish like the one in my second link at any of your lfs?
Thanks again for your posts!

Fish Addict · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 3:34 am Post subject:

Nameless · Senior Member Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 958

k, so what would you suggest me to do?