Similar-sized, non-aggressive fish are best as tank companions. The Peacock eel may try to eat small tank mates (think Neon tetras) as these freshwater eels have a predatory nature. Keep them in communities of ottos, swordtails, guppies, rainbowfish, and the less aggressive cichlids.
Do eels get along with other fish?
Getting an eel might not top your list of species to add to a fish tank. However, they are fascinating creatures. Despite its looks, the Peacock Eel is a peaceful animal that can get along with many popular aquarium fish as long as they are big enough and fast enough to evade this potential predator.
How big of a tank do freshwater eels need?
Tank Setup
These small eel-like fish should be housed in an aquarium of around 21 inches in length and a 20-gallon tank. But when they grow bigger, shift them to a bigger aquarium with a capacity of around 40 gallons or more.
How many eels can you keep in one tank?
With a maximum size of 12 to 16 inches, these eels are the perfect size for home aquariums. They prefer to be in groups so the general rule is three or more in any one aquarium.
How long to fresh water eels live?
Eels live in freshwater, females for up to 40 years, before returning to the sea.
Do freshwater eels eat other fish?
Feeding Freshwater Aquarium Eels
Eels are carnivores for the most part and while they may eat plant matter on occasion, they usually eat fish, small crustaceans, and insects.
Can eels live with Plecos?
Peacock Eel and Pleco
Pleco is a bad choice for Peacock Eels.
Can freshwater eels bite you?
Although they do bite, eels are nonvenomous and put up an impressive battle when hooked.
What do I feed freshwater eel?
They like bloodworms, red wigglers, nightcrawlers, and small invertebrates like shrimp and snails. Meaty foods should make up the bulk of a freshwater eel’s diet. They will usually take to eating thawed frozen foods or freeze-dried foods. Feeding them these types of food ensures they’re able to eat the food.
Can freshwater eels shock you?
An adult eel can produce a lethal 600 volts of electrical energy, which is enough to kill you or, if you live, leave you incapacitated for years.
How often do you feed an eel?
But come feeding time, the water boils with activity as the eels sense the good eats to come. Aquarist Sean Costello feeds the eels three to four times a week, usually in the early afternoon when visitors can get a good look at the action.
What are the coolest freshwater fish?
24 of the coolest freshwater aquarium fish
- Multicolored Crowntail Betta – Siamese fighting fish.
- Angelfish – Pterophyllum.
- Royal Whiptail Catfish – Sturisoma panamense.
- Agassiz’s dwarf cichlid – Apistogramma Agassizii.
- Boeseman’s rainbowfish – Melanotaenia boesemani.
- Chili Rasbora – Boraras brigittae.
Are eels hard to take care of?
However, according to Animal World true eels are very difficult and expensive creatures to care for. Some can grow remarkably large, and would require massive tanks that most home aquarium owners cannot afford. Think about all the space even a pet poodle needs to stay active and healthy.
How much does a freshwater eel cost?
In 2022, the approximate price range for US Live Eels is between US$ 28.75 and US$ 24.08 per kilogram or between US$ 13.04 and US$ 10.92 per pound(lb). The price in Euro is EUR 28.75 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 28750.91 in New York and Washington.
Can you put an eels with cichlids?
Peacock eels should not generally be kept with cichlids, because cichlids can be very aggressive fish and may attack the eel. If you choose the calmest and least aggressive kinds of cichlids, you may be able to house them with a peacock eel, as long as you give them sufficient space.
Do eels eat fish?
Eels are primarily predatory fish with carnivorous diets. Some eel species are cannibalistic. Their diet typically consists of smaller fish, invertebrates, crustaceans, shrimp, crabs and sea urchins. Freshwater eels also consume insect larvae.
Can you keep an eel in a fish tank?
Tank Size. Aquarium eels vary in size, but we don’t recommend keeping any species of eel in a tank of fewer than 35 gallons. As a good rule of thumb, you should allow 10 gallons of water per one 15-inch eel. So, a larger species of around 25 inches will need a bare minimum of 20 gallons of water to be comfortable.
How long do eels live aquarium?
The average life expectancy for the species is usually 10 to 20 years, though one specimen named Pute lived in an aquarium for 85 years, aquatic scientist and eel expert William O’Connor told NBC News.
Do freshwater eels need oxygen?
Eels require large amounts of oxygen if they are to remain active and grow at an optimal rate. Aeration can be supplied using paddlewheels or aspirators. Blooms of phytoplanktonic algae are encouraged as they produce oxygen and shield the eels from direct sunlight.
What fish can live with peacock eels?
Some good tank mates for the peacock eel include:
- Rainbowfish (we like Forktail)
- Rasboras.
- Swordtail fish.
- Hatchetfish.
Can a peacock eel live with guppies?
Peacock eel tank mates
While some hobbyists have had success, for the most part, this means that small tetras, guppies, shrimp, and other small invertebrates should be avoided. However, these eels will do great with rasboras, hatchetfish, rainbowfish, and swordtails.