Aquatic Caecilian/Rubber Eel Care

[Natural Born Chaos]

I'm looking to get a few Caecilian's, I've been wanting some for quite a while but have not been able to find any. Now that I have, I'm struggling to find the necessary information regarding housing/tank mates. I have two aquariums that might work, but I would like a second opinion.

From what I've read, they can be kept with fish, but I've only seen them kept with smaller fish (i.e; tetras, corydoras, small plecos, ect.). The aquarium I'd like to use is a 125 gallon non-aggressive monster tank, with 2 young Florida gars (12-16"), rope fish, juvie fat sleeper goby, bichirs, clown knife and a severum. The temperature is at 78F, and the tank has high power filtration. Most of the care information varies from website to website, and some of it is contradicting, the main thing I'm having trouble with is some websites say cold water, whIle others say subtropical to tropical.

Another option for housing would be a cold water 70 gallon axolotl tank with a few 6" goldfish (growing them out for a pond). My only fear with housing them with the axolotl is whether or not he might attempt to bite the Caecilian's.

Any additional info regarding their care would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Frank Castle]

I'm looking to get a few Caecilian's, I've been wanting some for quite a while but have not been able to find any. Now that I have, I'm struggling to find the necessary information regarding housing/tank mates. I have two aquariums that might work, but I would like a second opinion.

From what I've read, they can be kept with fish, but I've only seen them kept with smaller fish (i.e; tetras, corydoras, small plecos, ect.). The aquarium I'd like to use is a 125 gallon non-aggressive monster tank, with 2 young Florida gars (12-16"), rope fish, juvie fat sleeper goby, bichirs, clown knife and a severum. The temperature is at 78F, and the tank has high power filtration. Most of the care information varies from website to website, and some of it is contradicting, the main thing I'm having trouble with is some websites say cold water, whIle others say subtropical to tropical.

Another option for housing would be a cold water 70 gallon axolotl tank with a few 6" goldfish (growing them out for a pond). My only fear with housing them with the axolotl is whether or not he might attempt to bite the Caecilian's.

Any additional info regarding their care would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I'm short ontime atm,, but my 1st bit of advice is DON'T keep them with fish, they will eat the slime coat, external gill feathers, etc and kill your amphibians. I kept mine in a species-only tank for Caecillians and they bred randomly. 1st find out what species you're getting and find out where they are from. BBL

 

[Natural Born Chaos]

I'm short ontime atm,, but my 1st bit of advice is DON'T keep them with fish, they will eat the slime coat, external gill feathers, etc and kill your amphibians. I kept mine in a species-only tank for Caecillians and they bred randomly. 1st find out what species you're getting and find out where they are from. BBL

I'm unsure how they would eat the slime coat. It seems impractical, I'd understand smaller fish nipping at them, or plecos sucking on them, however I can't exactly see a gar or a bichir nipping away at the slime coat of any fish or amphibian. I figure since I've had such great success keeping a group of rope fish (.5-1" thick ranging from 8-16) with my monsters, everything would fare the same with the Caecilian's. I honestly cannot picture a 12" clown knife eating away at a slime coat while he's got the option of a variety of fresh cropped seafood and live feeders right in front of him. They're predatory, however they're peaceful (I know that's kind of contradictory) in terms of being peaceful to any creature that isn't small enough to be eaten (the general guide line is as long as it's not smaller than their head, then the chances of it being eaten are slim.

In regards to what species they are, I cannot remember the name, but they're the type that are most commonly kept in aquaria. And the person I'm purchasing them from believes they are wild caught.

 

[Frank Castle]

I'm unsure how they would eat the slime coat. It seems impractical, I'd understand smaller fish nipping at them, or plecos sucking on them, however I can't exactly see a gar or a bichir nipping away at the slime coat of any fish or amphibian. I figure since I've had such great success keeping a group of rope fish (.5-1" thick ranging from 8-16) with my monsters, everything would fare the same with the Caecilian's. I honestly cannot picture a 12" clown knife eating away at a slime coat while he's got the option of a variety of fresh cropped seafood and live feeders right in front of him. They're predatory, however they're peaceful (I know that's kind of contradictory) in terms of being peaceful to any creature that isn't small enough to be eaten (the general guide line is as long as it's not smaller than their head, then the chances of it being eaten are slim.

In regards to what species they are, I cannot remember the name, but they're the type that are most commonly kept in aquaria. And the person I'm purchasing them from believes they are wild caught.

I have kept Caecillians and bred them as well as Amphiumas, Tiger Salamanders (Morphed and Neotenic), and a plethora of others..... I IMPLORE you not make the mistake of keeping them with anything besides other amphibians. What you don't think can happen generally tends to happen and you kick yourself later for not taking more precautions. You are free to do what you want with your animals, but I a telling you from personal experience, it is a very bad idea.

When you have been in this hobby/business as long as I have, you end up seeing the unimaginable become reality. I lost a magnificent Two-toed Amphiuma because I left feeder goldfish in the tank and they ate the slime coat off him and it killed him. Caecillians are no different nor is any amphibian for that matter. Don't be foolish, fish should be kept with other fish, amphibians with amphibians.....don't mix them....the success rate is so low it's not worth the risk.

 

[Natural Born Chaos]

[Accidently double posted my previous message.]