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Freshwater Eel Care Sheet

Freshwater Eel Care Sheet

This care sheet covers a variety of freshwater eel species, including:

  • Tire track eel
  • Spiney eel
  • Fire eel
  • Peacock eel

Overview 

Freshwater eels, for the aquarium, are not true eels but are eel-like tropical freshwater fish with pectoral fins. Freshwater eels are nocturnal predators with poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. These eels have an elongated, snake-like body and vary in size and coloration, with an incredible ability to squeeze through the smallest of openings. Freshwater eels are a carnivorous, bottom-dwelling species requiring well-filtered, heavily oxygenated habitats. 

Typical freshwater eel appearance and behavior

  • Usually inactive during the day 
  • Primarily nocturnal (active at night) but may venture out under lower lighting as they become comfortable with the environment 
  • Live in holes and caves or bury themselves in nonabrasive substrates 
  • Some can be aggressive and eat smaller tank mates 
  • Most are territorial 
  • Tend to become solitary as they mature

 

Characteristics

Care difficulty Intermediate to advanced
Average life span 5–18 years when properly cared for, depending on species
Average adult size 8 inches to 3+ feet long
Diet: Carnivorous
Minimum habitat size 29+ gallons, depending on species
Water temperature 72 to 82°F

 

Habitat

Habitat size

Keep freshwater eels in an appropriately sized aquarium based on the adult size of the species selected; these can range from 29 gallons for smaller species or juveniles to 125 gallons or more for larger species. A well-sealed aquarium lid is mandatory as eels can easily escape.

Building your pet’s habitat 

  • Water health:  
    • Provide proper filtration to ensure optimal water quality to help maintain health. Moderate to strong water circulation should be provided to mimic water currents and high oxygen levels found in the eels' natural habitat.  
    • Stable water quality (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite) and water temperature are critical to the health of aquatic life. If you are unsure of your water quality, bring a sample to Petco for free testing.  
    • An aquatic heater should be used to stabilize water temperature, ensuring it does not fluctuate more than 2 degrees in either direction in a 24-hour period.  
    • Freshwater eels tolerate freshwater salt in the aquarium; the specific gravity should be kept at 1.004 if housed with other aquatic life. Do not allow specific gravity to fluctuate more than 0.001 in either direction in a 24-hour period 
  • Substrate: Provide about 2” of nonabrasive substrate for eels to burrow in that won’t hurt their soft, skin-like scales 
  • Décor: Eels like to hide, so rocks, caves, hollow logs or other safe hiding spaces should be provided 

What Do Freshwater Eel Eat 

Freshwater eels are primarily carnivores, but some may accept small amounts of vegetative matter. A well-balanced eel diet consists of high-protein foods, such as frozen and freeze-dried bloodworms, krill or brine shrimp, and live foods, such as earthworms and black worms. 

Things to remember when feeding your eel:

  • Feed them daily
  • Eels typically feed at night, when other fish are less active
  • Thaw frozen foods before feeding

Eel care 

  • Water care: Maintaining great water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration is important to help keep your eels healthy 
    • Daily: Check filter, water temperature and other equipment 
    • Weekly: Test water quality at least once a week 
    • Weekly to monthly: Change 10–25% of the total volume of water every 2–4 weeks, or as needed; change filter media monthly 
  • Introduce new inhabitants to the aquarium gradually. Eels may be housed with most larger fish that cannot be eaten; most eels will be aggressive with their own kind and should be housed singly 
  • Avoid overcrowded conditions, which are a major cause of stress and disease  
  • Ensure your eel has hiding places in their aquarium and that their diet is appropriate for their species 

Where to buy

Various freshwater eels are available at select Petco locations. Offerings varies by location, so call ahead to check availability. 

Freshwater eel supplies 

Aquarium mates

Freshwater eels can be kept with larger community fish; keep only one eel per aquarium. Eels can live harmoniously with angelfish, gourami and rainbow fish but may try to eat fish that fit in their mouth.

Health 

Signs of a healthy eel 

  • Clear eyes 
  • Remains on or near the bottom of the aquarium 
  • Eats vigorously 
  • Smooth coloration 
  • Free of parasites or disease 

Red flags (If you notice any of these signs, contact your local aquatic specialist or veterinarian.) 

  • Loss of color 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Spots or fungus on body or mouth 
  • Listlessness  
  • Cloudy eyes 
  • Frayed fins 
  • Labored breathing 
  • Erratic swimming 
  • Weight loss 
  • Bloating 

 

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action
Health Issue Bacterial infections Symptoms or CausesCloudy eyes, open sores and/or reddening of the skin Suggested ActionImprove water quality; add aquarium salt; use a commercial antibacterial remedy as directed; consult your local aquatic specialist or aquatic veterinarian for treatment
Health Issue Ich Symptoms or CausesWhite spots appear on fins and body, fish rubs against hard objects or swims erratically, rapid respiration Suggested ActionQuarantine fish immediately; add freshwater aquarium salt and use a commercial ich remedy as directed; consult your local aquatic specialist or aquatic veterinarian for treatment
Health Issue Pale, white lesions on body Symptoms or CausesCaused by infection with Epistylis parasites, which are common in bottom-dwelling fish and predispose them to bacterial infections Suggested ActionImprove water quality by ensuring proper filtration; consult your local aquatic specialist or aquatic veterinarian for treatment
Health Issue Sunken abdomen Symptoms or CausesNot enough food Suggested ActionIncrease supplemental feeding
Health Issue Cottonmouth or columnaris Symptoms or CausesCottony white growths along the body and/or gills, frayed fins and gills that turn brown and necrotic in late stages; caused by bacterial infection Suggested ActionQuarantine fish; improve water quality; lower aquarium temperature to 72°F to deter bacteria from growing; medicate as directed; consult your local aquatic specialist or aquatic veterinarian for treatment

 

FAQs

  • Are freshwater eels fish? Yes; although they are called eels, freshwater eels are fish.  
  • What do freshwater eels eat? Freshwater eels are carnivorous and need high-protein foods, such as frozen and freeze-dried bloodworms, krill or brine shrimp, or live foods, such as earthworms and black worms. 
  • Where do freshwater eels live? This can vary by species, but many are found in Southeast Asia. 
  • How long do freshwater eels live? Life span can vary by species but can range from 5 to 18 years with proper care. 
  • What is the smallest freshwater eel? One of the smaller freshwater eels is the half-banded spiny eel, which reaches an adult size of just 8 inches.  
  • How big do freshwater eels get? In captivity, adult freshwater eels can range from 8 inches to more than 3 feet. 

Notes and resources

Ask a Pet Care Center associate about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.

Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as atypical Mycobacterium and Salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your aquatic life or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease.

Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for aquatic life and should consider not having aquatic life as a pet.

Go to cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about aquatic life and disease.

The information on this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.

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