Eels

[nate9]

how would a peacock eel do with some angels and cichlids in a 55 U.S. gallon tank? and a neadlenose would not do so good would it(in that tank)also i just recieved a new 55 gallon tank from a friend and was looking for some semi-aggressive/aggressive fish for the tank(its freshwater), any suggestions(preferably colorful fish or exotic ones)

 

[Lynden]

Peacock eels are weak, so the more aggresive cichlids would pulverize him. I have had experience with a peacock eel, and although it was a great fish really, you could probably spend your entire life trying to find something it will eat.

To escape the chance of it being destroyed, maybe try a larger fire eel or similiar spiny eel. Remember that these are not fish for beginners, mostly because of their eating habits.

-Lynden

 

[Mr Miagi]

I dont think eels are as fussy eaters as Chestnut portrays. Ok, they do recquire more work, and a little time and effort, but in the end, if you provide decent food, and acclimate the eel properly, you can keep them rather easily. Getting to eat is the hardest, once they have, there is no turning back! The biggest problem is tank size. A small eel will quite happily stay in a 55 for a few years, but the tank will probably need up-grading in the future.

As for them being docile, well, yes, they do hide and are nocturnal, but should get along fine with angels. Depending on what sort of cichlids you plan to keep?

Keyhole cichlids would be fine with an eel. It depends. An 'O' would probably consume an eel given the Oscar had the right temperament.

What will u stock it with?

 

[nate9]

is there any special food i need to be feeding an eel or cani feed it the standard tropical flakes. also i plan on mostly african cichlids and maybe a Tanganyikan or two.


sorry on that last post i meant Malawian not african.

 

[Lynden]

I found that mine would occasionally eat bloodworms when i used a pipette. I kept mine with angels, and he was fine.

However,

once they have, there is no turning back!

this, i have found to be untrue. If they are upset, many eels (such as my morays) often require a "re-acclimation" to get them to eat full time.

Keyhole cichlids would be fine with an eel. It depends. An 'O' would probably consume an eel given the Oscar had the right temperament.

This is true. What do you plan on having with it?


Edit: DO NOT put ANY africans with ANY south americans. Do this, and you will be sad. It happened to me.

Sorry to sound harsh, but its a big deal.

 

[Mr Miagi]

An eel wont normally feed on flake. Ive never encountered a flake eating Eel. You generally should feed a small variety of foods including Brine shrimp, bloodworm, thinly sliced cockle, or small lance fish (whitbait).

You can get a Tanganyikan eel. Its very attractive and belongs to the same family as the spiny eel. A little harder to find though.

I reckon they would be fine with those middle dwelling cichlids. You would need to provide some areas where he will feel safe. IE some rock caves for him, you could use terracotta pots, plants, or bogwood to help them feel at home and give them a retreat.

Ill find TFF's profile of the spiny eel.

 

[Lynden]

You can get a Tanganyikan eel. Its very attractive and belongs to the same family as the spiny eel. A little harder to find though.

Can you? Surely the wont live with Mbuna, will they? Tanganyikan cichlids should be fine with him, right? What else can go with it?

 

[Mr Miagi]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=41583

I know a good friend of mine keeps one, Mastacembelus plagiostoma "Tanganyikan Eel", and it does well within his set-up. I cant link you because its a diferent forum. DOH. Email me if you want more info ChestNut.

 

[nate9]

ok when you say DO NOT put ANY africans with ANY south americans. Do this, and you will be sad. It happened to me are you talking about african and south african cichlids or angle fish or eels?

also could the south african term be the same as "new world"

 

[Lynden]

also could the south african term be the same as "new world"

The americas are the new world, not southern africa.

DO NOT put ANY africans with ANY south americans. Do this, and you will be sad. It happened to me.

I mostly mean do not put Mbuna and other soda lake cichlids in with any animal, save a plec, from the new world. They are simply too different. They will fight, and since the africans do this by nature, they will win. Also, their nitrogen tolerances are different, ect.

Would you put coldwater carp with tetras? The same question applies here.