What is this? Red Snake in a Freshwater fishtank?

Question

While browsing at my local truevalue, i noticed a peculiar fish in one of the fishtanks.  It was small (1-1/2 inches) and red/yellow.  It was swimming along the bottom, like a snake.  It then would swim under the gravel and pop up in another spot.  It was very cool to see, and I was just wondering what it was.  I am not sure if it was a rope-fish, because it was soo small.  It might have been a newt baby?  thanks

copperhead · Accepted Answer

It might have been a ropefish, it could also have been a species of loach.  Kuhlii loaches are typically striped or black, but you may have seen one of an unususal color: http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/613.htm

Or it may have been a dojo loach, which now have a gold variety: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=2099

At the size you saw, you may not have noticed the barbels.

The best thing to do is to ask the next time you're in the store!

popperman · Answer

its probably a baby ropefish

What is this? Red Snake in a Freshwater fishtank?

2 Answers