Eels belong to a diverse group with more than 800 species. Of all the eel types, the freshwater eels are the sought-after eels by aquarists.
However, housing an eel is undoubtedly a daunting task. If you are experienced with aquariums or enjoy challenges and are interested in keeping freshwater species, this blog is perfect for you.
However, be aware that many types of freshwater eels can grow several feet long. This is why they require larger tanks. Their care is challenging but not impossible.
This comprehensive care sheet contains the top twenty freshwater eels, pictures, and care guides for each eel.
Let’s begin our exploration.
Types of Freshwater Eels
Here are 20 types of freshwater eels with their scientific names, care, tank requirements, size, diet, and more:
Tire Track Eel
Tire track eels are freshwater species found in South Asian regions. These are massive eels that grow 20 inches.
Even being so massive, these fish are shy and peaceful. They thrive in 75-gallon water tanks with temperatures around 75 to 82 F and pH from 6.5 to 7.5.
They are carnivores but prefer frozen food. Moreover, they love living in a planted tank that mimics their natural habitat.
Scientific Name: Mastacembelus armatus
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Temperament: Peaceful but can be shy
Size: 20 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (prefers live or frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Zig Zag Eel
Before thinking about keeping a zig-zag eel, keep in mind that this freshwater eel is massive. They grow 36 inches in the wild and 24 inches in captivity.
However, do not judge them because of their size. They are peaceful eels that any aquarist with a 150-gallon tank can pet them.
They are found in Africa near the Nile River basin. As said earlier, their difficulty level is moderate. They eat live and frozen food and thrive in waters with temperatures around 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scientific Name: Mastacembelus circumcinctus
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 36 inches in wild and 24 inches in captivity
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: Africa (Nile River basin)
Temperature: 73-82°F
pH: 6.5-8.5
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Fire Eel
Fire eels are one of the largest eels you can keep in your aquarium tank. They grow up to 40 inches. Therefore, they require big tanks of 125 gallons.
Being massive, they are somehow hard to keep. They require advanced care and maintenance levels. Moreover, they are carnivores, and their favorite food is live and frozen foods.
For their care, keep them in planted tanks with moderate waters with temperatures between 75 F to 83 F and 6.5-7.5 pH.
Scientific Name: Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 40 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Half Banded Spiny Eel
Half-blended spiny eels are found in Southeast Asian regions. They are peaceful in nature and require moderate care levels.
These fish live up to 15 years and grow 8 inches in length. They are carnivores, like other eels. Their favorite aquarium is a 30-gallon water tank with plants and normal water conditions. If you are putting many species, choose a bigger tank size, as they can be territorial.
Scientific Name: Macrognathus circumcinctus
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Temperament: Peaceful, but can be territorial
Size: 8 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (prefers live or frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Peacock Eel
The peacock eel is another small freshwater eel that grows up to 12 inches in size. They are also found in Southeast Asia.
These fish require a small tank compared to other types of eels. They are carnivores, and feed them with frozen and live foods.
Their favorite aquarium is full of plants with water parameters ranging from 7-82 F and 6.5-7.5 pH levels.
Scientific Name: Macrognathus siamensis
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 12 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Rubber Eel
Rubber eel, scientifically known as Typhlonectes natans, is a large, peaceful fish. They grow up to 22 inches, and each eel requires 55 gallons.
Like other eels, they are also carnivores that love frozen and live foods. They are found in South America. And like their habitats, they thrive in planted tanks having water temperatures between 75 to 80 F and pH levels between 6.5 to 8.
Scientific Name: Typhlonectes natans
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 22 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons per fish
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: South America
Temperature: 75-80°F
pH: 6.5-8
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Asian Swamp Eel
Asian swamp eels are one of the largest eels. They grow up to 45 inches in the wild. However, with massive bodies, these fish are peaceful and require low care and maintenance.
As the name suggests, they are found in Southeast Asia. They are omnivores and eat live, frozen, and prepared food.
Being so massive, a pair of Asian swamp eels require a 400-gallon tank with plants in it, a water temperature between 78 to 82F, and a pH between 6.2 to 8.
Scientific Name: Monopterus albus
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 45 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 400 gallons for a pair
Diet: Omnivorous (eats live, frozen, and prepared foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 78-82°F
pH: 6.2-8
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Electric Eel
Electric eels are considered the most dangerous eels. They are given an electric name because they produce electric currents to prey. Their current can even kill people. These fish grow up to 6 to 8 feet, making them the largest eel.
Moreover, they are aggressive and require high-level care. Due to these traits, aquarists do not pet them in home tanks. However, if one wishes to pet, they require 540-gallon tanks and normal water conditions like their habitat, South America.
Scientific Name: Electrophorus electricus
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Temperament: Can be aggressive
Size: 6-8 feet (in the wild)
Minimum Tank Size: Not suitable for home aquariums, 540-gallon tank
Diet: Carnivorous (eats live fish and invertebrates)
Origin: South America (Amazon River basin)
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.0-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Extremely difficult (nearly impossible in captivity)
Planted Tank Suitability: Not suitable
The Reedfish
The reedfish, scientifically known as Erpetoichthys calabaricus, are medium eels that grow up to 16 inches.
They are peaceful in nature and require easy care. These fish are found in West Africa and thrive in natural parameters.
However, these can be put in a 180-gallon tank with a temperature of 73 to 82 F and a pH level of between 6.5 and 7.5.
Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 16 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: West Africa (Niger Delta)
Temperature: 73-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loach eels are the smallest eels in the freshwater eels family. They are only 4 inches in size. As their size, they are peaceful and require below care to maintain and keep.
These small eels are found in Southeast Asia. These are omnivores that love to eat sinking pellets, as well as live and frozen foods.
Being small, Kuhli Loach requires 20 gallons of the tank. Their preferred water conditions are 75 to 82 F water temperature with 75 to 82 and a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
Scientific Name: Pangio kuhlii
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 4 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Diet: Omnivorous (eats sinking pellets, live and frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia)
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 5.5-6.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Excellent
Freshwater Moray
Freshwater moray eels are one of the hardest aquarium pets. They are aggressive and require advanced care. Their nature is fanatic.
These fish come in different sizes, where they grow from 6 inches to 150 inches. The average fish requires a large tank, but for an average-sized freshwater moray, a 15 to 30-gallon tank is feasible.
They are also carnivores and eat live foods. For them, their perfect tank is a planted tank with 75 inches to 82 inches of water temperatures and a pH level between 7.0 and 9.0.
Scientific Name: Muraenidae
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Origin: Tropical and Temperate Waters
Diet: Carnivores prefer live food
Temperament: Shy and semi-aggressive fish
Size: 6– 150 inches in length (7.6 – 400 cm)
Minimum Tank Size: at least 15-30 gallon tank
Temperature: 24 – 28°C / 75 – 82°F
pH: 7.0 to 9.0
Difficulty to breed: Almost impossible
Planted tank suitability: Possible
Starry Night
If you are looking for hardy, average-size eels, then a starry night eel is the best option for you. These are peaceful in nature and require low or medium care.
These fish grow up to 15 inches and require planted water tanks of 60-gallon size. These fish are found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand.
Their favorite water parameters are temperature between 75 to 82 Fahrenheit and pH between 6.5 to 7.5. They are carnivores and prefer live and frozen foods.
Scientific Name: Mastacembelus dayi
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 15 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 60 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (prefers live or frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand)
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Yellow Tail Spiny
If there is any eel with the most peaceful nature and is easy to keep, then the Yellow tail spiny eel is on top. Scientifically known as Macrognathus pancakes, these fish are found in Southeast Asia ponds, freshwater lakes, and rivers.
These grow from 7.1 inches to 8 inches in length. Like every other eel, they live in large tanks, like 125 gallons. Their favorite food is live and frozen food, putting them in the top category among carnivorous eels.
Yellow tail spiny loves planted and decorated tanks with gravels, substrates, and lighting. They thrive in water temperatures of 72 to 81 F and peacefully live in 7.0 to 8.5 pH waters.
Scientific Name: Macrognathus pancalus
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Size: 8 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 73-81° F
pH: 7.0-8.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Senegalus
Commonly known as reedfish, senegalus are peaceful freshwater eel. They are easy to breed and require low care and maintenance levels.
These fish grow up to 20 inches in size. Due to their mammoth size, they thrive in 90-gallon water tanks that must be filled with decorative items like plants, substrates, and gravel.
Coming from the free water of West Africa, particularly the Senegal River, they love living in normal temperatures of 72 to 82 Fahrenheit with pH levels of 7.0 to 8.0.
Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Size: 20 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (eats live and prepared foods)
Origin: West Africa (Senegal River basin)
Temperature: 72-82°F
pH: 7.0-8.0
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Bichir
Another type of freshwater eel is Bichir. Their scientific name is Polypterus spp. Like other massive eels, they are aggressive and predatory. Therefore, they need a high or advanced level to care for and maintain them.
However, these freshwater eels come in different varieties. But, viagra size is 24 inches. Being so massive, they require bigger tanks, almost 150+ gallons.
Bichir eels are carnivores that eat live and prepared foods. Their favorite tanks are planted tanks with lighting and big sizes. Their favorite conditions vary by species, but typically, they thrive at 72 to 82 Fahrenheit. Likewise, pH also varies, whereas the typical pH they require is 7.0 to 8.0.
Scientific Name: Polypterus spp.
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Semi-Hard to Advanced (depending on species)
Temperament: Can be aggressive and predatory
Size: 24 inches or more
Minimum Tank Size: Varies by species (150+ gallons for smaller species)
Diet: Carnivorous (eats live and prepared foods)
Origin: Africa
Temperature: Varies by species (typically 72-82°F)
pH: Varies by species (typically 7.0-8.0)
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard to difficult (species-dependent)
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
African Ropefish
The African ropefish is one of the peaceful eels that require a low care level, and newbies can keep them in their 50+ gallon tanks.
Scientifically known as Erpetoichthys calabaricus, these fish are found in West Africa, as their name suggests. They grow up to 16 inches in length and thrive in bigger tanks.
For their care, planted tanks with decorative elements such as plants, lighting, rocks, and gravel are a must.
Being carnivores, African ropefish eat live and frozen foods. Their favorite water parameters are 75 to 82 F water temperatures, and they find 6 to 7.5 pH water suitable.
Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 16 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: West Africa (Niger Delta)
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
Snowflake
Snowflake eels are scientifically known as Echidna nebulosa. They are peaceful in nature but are hard to keep in aquariums. These are found in Southeast Asia and Indonesian regions.
These carnivores eat live and frozen foods. Snowflake eels are massive and can grow up to 24 inches.
Being massive, they live in 125-gallon tanks with water parameters between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They can thrive in 6.5 to 8 pH level waters. Moreover, these live in planted tanks with plants and rocks in them.
Scientific Name: Echidna nebulosa
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 24 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia)
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Difficulty to Breed: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Indian Mud Moray Eel
Indian mud moray eels are aggressive in nature. Being so massive and growing up to several feet, these are not easy for aquarists to keep.
Growing up to feet, these eels require larger tanks, even bigger than 200 gallons. Their diet is carnivores, and they love eating live fish and crustaceans, making them hard to keep with other tank mates.
A planted tank is not suitable for them. However, when it comes to water parameters, these thrive in 75 to 82 F temperatures and pH levels between 7.5 and 8.5.
Scientific Name: Gymnothorax tile
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Size: several feet (depending on species)
Minimum Tank Size: Very large tank required (200+ gallons)
Diet: Carnivorous (live fish and crustaceans)
Origin: Indian Ocean region
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 7.5-8.5
Difficulty to Breed: Very difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Not suitable
Pink Paddle Tail Eel
Pink paddle-tail eels are peaceful eels. As their name suggests, their tails are pink. These fish are peaceful but massive, so they are hard to keep in water tanks.
These grow up to 12 inches and require 120-gallon tanks. Their favorite diet is live and frozen foods.
These fish are found in southeast Asia in ponds, swamps, and rivers. Therefore, they love living in planted tanks. For their best care, maintain water parameters between 75 to 82 F and pH level between 6.5 to 7.8.
Scientific Name: Paleomonetes paludosus
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 12 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.8
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Moderate/Semi-Hard
Violet Goby
As the name suggests, violet goby freshwater eels are violet in coloration. These are found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Violet goby grows up to 10 inches in length. If you want to pet them, your tank must be around 50 gallons to 80 gallons.
They are omnivores and eat algae, sinking pallets, and small live and frozen foods. Their favorite tanks are planted with lighting, rocks, and substrates.
To keep them in the best care, keep their water temperatures between 72 to 78 F and maintain water pH levels between 7.5 to 8.5.
Scientific Name: Gobioides broussonnetii
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 10 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 80 gallons
Diet: Omnivorous (eats algae, sinking pellets, and small live/frozen foods)
Origin: Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
Temperature: 72-78°F
pH: 7.5-8.5
Difficulty to Breed: Difficult
Planted Tank Suitability: Good
How to Care for Freshwater Eels
Here is the care guide for freshwater eels. By maintaining these aspects, you will keep your freshwater eels perfectly.
So here we go!
Tank/Aquarium Size
When keeping full-grown freshwater eels, it’s essential to provide them with adequate space.
A tank size of at least 80 to 125 gallons is recommended. However, a larger tank will be necessary for larger eel varieties that can grow several feet long.
Water Temperature & pH
Freshwater eels thrive in tropical conditions with a water temperature ranging from 72-82˚F. They can tolerate a pH range of 6.5-7.5, although mature eels can manage slightly alkaline water with a pH of 8.0.
Substrate
Given their burrowing nature, freshwater eels require a soft substrate like sand, dirt, or peat. While small gravel can be used, there’s a risk it may scratch their delicate skin.
Plants
Due to their burrowing behavior, many planted tank plants won’t stay rooted. Opt for plants like Java fern and Anubias attached to surfaces.
Floating plants are also beneficial as they reduce the amount of light that reaches the tank floor.
Lighting
Freshwater eels are nocturnal, preferring dimly lit tanks. Avoid bright lighting during the day to prevent disturbing them.
Filtration
In their natural habitat, freshwater eels inhabit slow-moving, shallow waters. Use baffles if needed to reduce strong currents. They require well-oxygenated water but can also breathe from the surface.
Are Freshwater Eels Good Tank Mates?
Freshwater eels can be good tank mates in peaceful community setups. But make sure they will not prey on other inhabitants.
Therefore, avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish like cichlids. Eels generally occupy the lower part of the tank, making them suitable companions for fish that inhabit upper water levels.
- Tangs
- Triggerfish
- Wrasses
- Lionfish
- Other large and aggressive fish
What to Feed Your Freshwater Eels
Freshwater eels are primarily carnivorous. They prefer high-protein, meaty foods. Food like bloodworms, shrimp, and small invertebrates are their primary diet.
You can also feed eels soft frozen or freeze-dried foods. And feed live foods occasionally.
Keeping Your Freshwater Eels Healthy
Maintain a low-stress environment with hiding spots like caves and rocks. Avoid housing them with aggressive or territorial fish to prevent conflicts.
Therefore, plan ahead to transition them to a brackish environment as they age.
If any of the odd behaviors appear or any diseases are signaled, consult vet doctors and treat them as prescribed.
However, following this guide, there is a low chance your eel becomes ill.
Eels Breeding
Breeding freshwater eels is complex and challenging, often requiring specific conditions not easily replicated in home aquariums. Scientific breeding programs are crucial for conserving threatened eel species.
Freshwater Eels And Aquarium
Keeping freshwater eels demands commitment and research, including planning for their long-term care.
They are intelligent and can recognize patterns, making them fascinating but challenging pets requiring specialized care. If you decide to keep them, be prepared to provide a suitable environment throughout their life cycle.
Conclusion
Now you know all about freshwater eels. Their twenty most common eels that can be put in bigger tanks were discussed with pictures and their care guide.
As they grow massive in length, they require bigger tanks with planted and rocky environments. They thrive in tropical water conditions and are mostly carnivores, whereas few are omnivores that thrive on fresh and live foods.
That was all from my side. If you have anything to add or suggest, please comment below.
You can also check our other blogs on 20 Types of Clownfish.
So, let’s proceed further to our new expedition.