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American Eel Tank


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#1 Guest_mv1_*

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Posted 12 August 2014 - 05:53 PM

I'm hoping to start a tank for an American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) in the near future after I upgrade my saltwater tank and I have a few questions. Should I keep the tank freshwater, brackish, or full salt? I know that they breed far out at sea and that many young congregate in estuaries or tidally influenced bodies of water, but some also make far runs upstream. Also, are there ANY tankmates I could include with the eel? I know that may be a bit of a stretch, but I'm curious nonetheless. Thanks.

#2 Guest_mikez_*

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Posted 12 August 2014 - 06:51 PM

I have kept them as novelties from time to time, only really small ones and never for long.
They are good at escaping so have a good cover.
Large ones are very predatory with large mouths and can catch live fish easily. Sometimes they get in my minnow trap and eat so many shiners they're to fat to get back out.
Salt, fresh, brackish, it don't matter. Start with whatever water you find them in and then acclimate them to whatever water you want them in. A slow drip witth airline tubing with a knot in it works perfectly.

#3 Guest_mv1_*

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Posted 12 August 2014 - 10:05 PM

If I put it in saltwater and started with a really small one, could a I get away with a cunner or a small Atlantic Croaker for at least a little while? I could transfer its tankmate or let it become a snack if need be, but I'd like to have a fish to add some activity to the tank until the eel gets big.

#4 Guest_mikez_*

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Posted 14 August 2014 - 07:56 PM

I have never kept croaker and don't know anything about them. I have kept cunner many times, I love them. They do really well in any kind of salt community. Only complaint is their drastic loss of color when kept in captivity. Still, not bad looking. Grow slow so won't out grow the tank for awhile. The cunner and eel will do ok together so long as the cunner is big enough to avoid being eaten.

#5 Guest_mv1_*

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Posted 15 August 2014 - 09:32 AM

I think I'll end up doing that combination, thanks!




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