I finally found some 18-30 inch Anguilla sp (not 100% on the species, either rostrata or japonica) at my local asian supermarket, so I picked up 5.
First 2 weeks uneventful, I barely see the eels. Today at feeding time, I saw an eel scurry out of a hiding place, highly unusual compared to the normal sit in the hole with head poking out behavior. I watched a bit longer as the eel tried to go back in. I hear the gravel kick up, see the eel flail a bit, and see another eel charge out, mouth gaping. What happened next was really surprising - it proceeded to chomp down on the side of the invading eel and attempt to death roll. No serious damage done as the other eel got away. Pike cichlid comes to investigate, gets attacked by the enraged eel. Added a ton more hiding spots and so far no more problems, but I'm monitoring them closely.
Moral of the story - Anguilla sp. tend to be territorial. Have about 2x as many hiding spots that DON'T connect as you have eels in the tank. Other bottom dwelling species are at risk as well, be careful selecting tankmates
First 2 weeks uneventful, I barely see the eels. Today at feeding time, I saw an eel scurry out of a hiding place, highly unusual compared to the normal sit in the hole with head poking out behavior. I watched a bit longer as the eel tried to go back in. I hear the gravel kick up, see the eel flail a bit, and see another eel charge out, mouth gaping. What happened next was really surprising - it proceeded to chomp down on the side of the invading eel and attempt to death roll. No serious damage done as the other eel got away. Pike cichlid comes to investigate, gets attacked by the enraged eel. Added a ton more hiding spots and so far no more problems, but I'm monitoring them closely.
Moral of the story - Anguilla sp. tend to be territorial. Have about 2x as many hiding spots that DON'T connect as you have eels in the tank. Other bottom dwelling species are at risk as well, be careful selecting tankmates
