View Full Version : freshwater eels?
i was wondering if i can put a freswater eel in my 90gallon frontosa tank? if you look in my gallery u can see the size of my frontosas. i was wondering if the eel will eat or try to eat my fish. :WHOA:
johno27
03-24-2006, 12:59 AM
I would maybe try a rubber eel i think they are called strange looking live bearers that make very interesting pets. I am not sure on the aggressiveness of fronts because I have never had them but they may nip at the eel
http://www.reptil-zoo.dk/Galleri_Typhlonectes_natans_UK.html
Oddball
03-24-2006, 1:53 AM
The rubber eel aka the Caecilian worm (Typhlonectes natans) is actually an amphibian. These critters prefer soft water so, they would make bad tankmates for hard-water fronts. They're also not opposed to biting any fish they happen to run in to. Rubber eels also have a habit of shedding their entire skin in long threads that can easily block filter intakes.
What sort of eel were you interested in keeping with your fronts? Spiny eels could work. The main problem is that the food for eels (worms for the most part) can cause intestinal problems in your fronts.
Actually the Monopterus albus (rice paddy/asian swamp eel) would be just about perfect. they will easily adapt to the water conditions, live for decades, and get big enough not to be eaten while not eating the fronts (40" max). They also will eat any meaty food including pellets. You would have to start with one not more than 2 1/2-3 times as long as the fronts.
johno27
03-24-2006, 3:45 AM
never seen a rubber eel shed before but one i had gave birth was pretty cool.I still never knew they where amphibians tho LOL :ROFL:
I guess the little liazrd on the link I put up should have clued me in :screwy:
Taz2478
03-24-2006, 12:42 PM
stay african, go with a bichir
GettingSassy
03-24-2006, 1:53 PM
Why not get one of the Tanganyikan eels? Frontosas are Tanganyikan, so you could stay in the lake that way.
Fabio's Dad
03-25-2006, 5:34 AM
But if you like the slender and long body, you can also go with a reedfish. For some reason, I could just watch my reedfish, Alan, for hours. I don't even know why. Also called a rope fish and snakefish.
guppy
03-25-2006, 12:44 PM
There is a meter long eel from Tanzania (Pisodontophis boro) that would work but good luck finding one.
What about Aethiomastacembelus shiranus
What about Aethiomastacembelus shiranus
since they are a few inches shorter as adults than adult fronts and so narrow bodied I would worry that they would be considered snack food.
Daniel Machado
04-03-2006, 11:09 AM
:iagree: Better stick to something bigger, IMO.
Best regards.
Daniel.
cciesielski
04-03-2006, 9:36 PM
if you can try and get a larger one
but i would get a fire eel or a tire track eel
illustrae
04-04-2006, 10:08 AM
Why not get one of the Tanganyikan eels? Frontosas are Tanganyikan, so you could stay in the lake that way.
I was going to suggest this, too. This would probably be the best option for compatibility and a natural look.
Daniel Machado
04-12-2006, 9:02 AM
Why not trying a swamp eel, Synbranchus marmoratus? They get big, but not to become a threat to the fronts, are hardy and peaceful. Look at mine:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=2/medium/advertisement1.gif (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=2/medium/advertisement1.gif)
Do you like its smile? :D
Best regards.
Daniel.