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

Answer 1

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!

Answer 2

its probably a baby ropefish