What Is The Smallest Eel You Can Find?

[OpalineAqua]

What is the smallest eel you can find? I really like eels, but the tank is only 30g. I found one called the zebra spiny eel that gets to 7 in, but I don't know. Does any one know how expensive a zebra spiny eel is? I only have $60 to spend on fish. Also, I have some questions about the zebra spiny eel:


- What are its dietary requirements?
- What water conditions would it need?
- Would the substrate need to be sand?
-What fish are compatible with it?

If you could answer some of my questions or give me any other small eel suggestions that would be great.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

There are no true freshwater eels, they are only named eels because they look very similar to true eels. Im not sure about which is the smallest, but if you want fish that look like eels that only get to be about 4 inches, you can try kuhli loaches (one of my favorite freshwater fish). I havent found a fish that actually likes the taste of them, so im assuming they are safe with a lot of fish. You can also try the spiny zebra eel that you mentioned. Peacock eels are another choice. They get up to 12 inches, so thatll be good for your tank. They prefer sand with lots of places to squeeze in to. You can try mixing the kuhlis with the eels and see what happens. You arent really supposed to put the eels with smaller fish, but in my experience, kuhlis taste bad.

 

[Ficious]

Don't get khulis...boringggg. There are many types of spiny eels and I think zig zags are the most common small eel. I have a starry night eel and he's by far my fav.

It said they were picky eatrs but once they get hungry shrimp pellets soon became his fav. They grow quick and if are shy at first give them some time. Soft smooth substrate is prefered because they like to burrow through it like they're swimming. If you have enough nooks and cranbys then 30 g is no prob. Mine was 4 inches when I got him 5 months ago and he's nearly 12 now.

Good luck hope you enjoy him.

Also about price...eels don't usualy cost that much so look at paying 10 to 20 bones

 

[OohFeeshy]

Most eels would be fine in a 30, with the exception of fire and tire track.

 

[piper]

I have a Barred Spiny Eel (MACROGNATHUS PANCALUS), they stay small but need live or frozen food.

Link

 

[andywg]

If you went SW there are a few smaller morays that would fit in a 30 gallon

 

[Syphoniera]

I have a Barred Spiny Eel (MACROGNATHUS PANCALUS), they stay small but need live or frozen food.

Link

Just HAD to say what an incredible ART pic.
Unbelievable - and what fascinating critters!
Wonder if OpalineAqua is considering trying to find some of those little beauties?

 

[Straydum]

piper's eels are not quite common in trade. coming in every now and then like african spiny eels. i believe the smallest of the group would be the half banded spiny eel. mine stayed for 5" for quite awhile now. they, like most spiny eels are relatively slow growers.

just to answer your questions, by far the most fussy eaters i've had. i believe all spiny eels would not take processed food (though i've heard exceptions). live tubifex seemed to work, frozen bloodworms with occasional success. sand substrate is almost a requirement due to their delicate skin

 

[piper]

Wildwoods get them in quite a bit.

 

[OpalineAqua]

I have a Barred Spiny Eel (MACROGNATHUS PANCALUS), they stay small but need live or frozen food.

Link

Just HAD to say what an incredible ART pic.
Unbelievable - and what fascinating critters!
Wonder if OpalineAqua is considering trying to find some of those little beauties?

Yeah, I think those would be cool. And, oh my gosh, those are pretty.

 

[OpalineAqua]

piper's eels are not quite common in trade. coming in every now and then like african spiny eels. i believe the smallest of the group would be the half banded spiny eel. mine stayed for 5" for quite awhile now. they, like most spiny eels are relatively slow growers.

just to answer your questions, by far the most fussy eaters i've had. i believe all spiny eels would not take processed food (though i've heard exceptions). live tubifex seemed to work, frozen bloodworms with occasional success. sand substrate is almost a requirement due to their delicate skin

Thanks for the help!

There are no true freshwater eels, they are only named eels because they look very similar to true eels. Im not sure about which is the smallest, but if you want fish that look like eels that only get to be about 4 inches, you can try kuhli loaches (one of my favorite freshwater fish). I havent found a fish that actually likes the taste of them, so im assuming they are safe with a lot of fish. You can also try the spiny zebra eel that you mentioned. Peacock eels are another choice. They get up to 12 inches, so thatll be good for your tank. They prefer sand with lots of places to squeeze in to. You can try mixing the kuhlis with the eels and see what happens. You arent really supposed to put the eels with smaller fish, but in my experience, kuhlis taste bad.

Yeah. I had a kuhli loach once. He died of ich. He was pretty cute, though! Thanks for the advice!

Don't get khulis...boringggg. There are many types of spiny eels and I think zig zags are the most common small eel. I have a starry night eel and he's by far my fav.

It said they were picky eatrs but once they get hungry shrimp pellets soon became his fav. They grow quick and if are shy at first give them some time. Soft smooth substrate is prefered because they like to burrow through it like they're swimming. If you have enough nooks and cranbys then 30 g is no prob. Mine was 4 inches when I got him 5 months ago and he's nearly 12 now.

Good luck hope you enjoy him.

Also about price...eels don't usualy cost that much so look at paying 10 to 20 bones

Okay. I think I could possibly do that...