Distinguishing Ropefish From Polypterus

[Fishy412]

I have what I thought was a Senegal Bichir in my 55 gallon tank. It has been there for about a year and has only grown about 4 inches on a diet of Beef Heart, Brine Shrimp, and shrimp pellets. It is also not very thick in diameter. I'm beginning to think that this guy is actually a ropefish because he's about half the diameter of most Bichirs that I've seen. I've looked up pictures but theres so much misinformation on the net it's hard to tell what is labelled correctly. Any distinguishing characteristics would be appreciated

 

[randallhart]

Here are some ropefish.
http/www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Oddbal680.jpg


Here is a senegal bichir.
http/images.ask.com/fr?q=senegal+bichir&...t%253D&qt=0

 

[Fishy412]

Ok then it IS a Senegal like I thought when I bought him. Now the only problem is why is he so darn skinny. I've been feeding him a Protein rich diet, he's in a 55 gallon with a few semi-passive NW cichlids and some Pictus's. He eats just fine, and has taken down small goldfish before but doesn't seem to be growing very much at all. hes about 5-6 inches now.

 

[randallhart]

I'm not an expert on them I just know the difference. What exactly does he eat. Do you watch him to make sure he eats?

 

[Fishy412]

I'm not an expert on them I just know the difference. What exactly does he eat. Do you watch him to make sure he eats?

I've got beefheart, brine shrimp, shrimp pellets, he also tends to like the catfish pellets that I put in there. Also every once in a while I'll put in some tuffies or a small goldfish. I watch him eat and then he swims around with a bulging stomach.

 

[randallhart]

I wonder if you could try bloodworms. I'm not sure. Do you have any pictures?

 

[Fishy412]

I wonder if you could try bloodworms. I'm not sure. Do you have any pictures?

I'll take some pictures today before and after feeding and I think i'll pick up some bloodworms at the store today.

 

[randallhart]

Okay.

 

[The-Wolf]

what brand of catfish pellets? JMC catfish pellets are very high in protein (56% i think)
also you should add fresh/frozen prawn to his diet and cockles, muscles etc

Hikari sinking carnivorous pellets are also a good addition to the diet

 

[Fishy412]

what brand of catfish pellets? JMC catfish pellets are very high in protein (56% i think)
also you should add fresh/frozen prawn to his diet and cockles, muscles etc

Hikari sinking carnivorous pellets are also a good addition to the diet

I use Wardleys pellets but I'll look to see if I can find JMC also. I know I can find the Hikari pellets. But what exactly is prawn?

 

[kewskills]

what brand of catfish pellets? JMC catfish pellets are very high in protein (56% i think)
also you should add fresh/frozen prawn to his diet and cockles, muscles etc

Hikari sinking carnivorous pellets are also a good addition to the diet

I use Wardleys pellets but I'll look to see if I can find JMC also. I know I can find the Hikari pellets. But what exactly is prawn?

prawn in england = shrimp in USA

 

[The-Wolf]

not quite correct kewskills
the difference between a prawn and a shrimp

but for this matter, yes prawn or shrimp will do.

 

[Straydum]

if he's only 5 to 6 inches then worms would be the option. have you tried earthworms? "super" worms? or if you think he's big enough to take it, feeder fish.

but honestly i prefer my senegal to not be all round and bloated. it kinds of turns you off. just enough to keep it full and happy will do.

 

[kewskills]

not quite correct kewskills
the difference between a prawn and a shrimp

but for this matter, yes prawn or shrimp will do.

Wolf thanks for that i actually didn't know the differences, you learn something mew every day however the Americans actually call both of these Shrimps thats just what they call them

 

[The-Wolf]

and that is where the confusion is.
just because I call a daffodil a narcissus , doesn't make it a one.