Eel identification

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draco

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 2, 2007
62
1
0
Wisconsin
[FONT=&quot]Hi, can anyone tell me the scientific name for this eel. It is very similar in size and markings to the tire track eel. When I bought it they told me it was a Leopard Eel. I know the basic care but always like to know origin and habitat specifics of my fish. Thanks in advanced for the help[/FONT]

leopard eel.jpg
 
That's funny, because I don't think the one in that link is a tiretrack either.
The last person said it will get the pattern as it ages, so while that's an interesting comment, I have seen 6" long tiretracks that have a full pattern.

I have no idea what either of these eels are, but I'm doubting they're tiretrack eels, though I suppose it's entirely possible.
 
I’d have to agree with Shadow Bass. I have known the guy I bought it from for 15 years and he’s been in the business for 25 years. He said that he has sold several of these in the last year and they are all the same but the spots vary a little . His vender calls them leopard eels but has no further info for them. I found another pic online that I’ll attach, from a company selling leopard eels but there again they offer no scientific name. The one’s in the pic show more of the spotted markings and that is why I’m quite sure they are not just tire track eels. However I don’t really know and that is why I'm asking the question.

So once again thanks for the input.

leopord eel.jpg
 
The problem is, those may not be the same species as your eel either.

There are SO many spiny eels it's hard to identify any of the oddballs, most don't have pics on google and it becomes tedious simply looking for each one. The only reference book I have is OLD (I really need to update), though I suppose I could dig it out and see if it has anything.

This page says there's 43 species of spiny eel just in africa.

When it comes to fish stores and common names you can end up with anything, especially between species that look very similar.
 
That is very true there are so many variations out there it is hard to tell. But I do appreciate the help. It’s not critical to know his origin, as he’s a healthy slob who eats everything in sight and is doing awesome. I just thought some one out there would see him and go oh that’s a blah blah blah. As if it’s ever that easy.
 
draco;1251495; said:
I’d have to agree with Shadow Bass. I have known the guy I bought it from for 15 years and he’s been in the business for 25 years. He said that he has sold several of these in the last year and they are all the same but the spots vary a little . His vender calls them leopard eels but has no further info for them. I found another pic online that I’ll attach, from a company selling leopard eels but there again they offer no scientific name. The one’s in the pic show more of the spotted markings and that is why I’m quite sure they are not just tire track eels. However I don’t really know and that is why I'm asking the question.

So once again thanks for the input.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't have thought tire track if it looked like those. The one in the first pic ,, the pattern under the dots along looks like an incomplete tire track pattern. Those other two from the other pic though,,, they are very different. I want one!
 
the first picture is a tiretrack with an unpronounced pattern, the second picture is a different fish often labeled as "black spotted eel" or "leopard eel", both are nice
 
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