Electric eel

[HrHagel]

We have a 30" Electrophorus electricus at the LFS i work at.

My boss offered it to me before he put it on sale. He's willing to sell it to me for what's equal to 200$ which is obviously very cheap since it's the only one in my country.

Does anyone own one of these, and can tell me some first hand experience in keeping these, and how to manage them.

Thanks

 

[Hoyo12]

They normally only get to 4-5 feet in captivity, which sounds like your specimen is pretty much done growing. Not really aggressive, but because it can shock near by fish and stun them if not kill then, it is not recommended to be housed with anything else. Eats just about anything can fit into its mouth; bloodworms, earthworms, inverts, fish, pellets, etc.
What else you need to know?

 

[HrHagel]

They normally only get to 4-5 feet in captivity, which sounds like your specimen is pretty much done growing. Not really aggressive, but because it can shock near by fish and stun them if not kill then, it is not recommended to be housed with anything else. Eats just about anything can fit into its mouth; bloodworms, earthworms, inverts, fish, pellets, etc.
What else you need to know?

Thankyou.

I was also wondering what theire expected life span is?
and also do they enjoy a strong or mild current?

 

[Mr.Nooby]

well it can produce over 500 volts. so it you put two terminals in the tank you can actuallly light up your house lol haha joking. but yes 500 volts is a fact. now dont get yourself kill.

 

[Hoyo12]

Thankyou.

I was also wondering what theire expected life span is?
and also do they enjoy a strong or mild current?

The life span is about 13-15 years, and they enjoy a mild current.
Post pics if you end up getting the big guy.

 

[HrHagel]

The life span is about 13-15 years, and they enjoy a mild current.
Post pics if you end up getting the big guy.

Thanks again

Will do!

 

[HrHagel]

well it can produce over 500 volts. so it you put two terminals in the tank you can actuallly light up your house lol haha joking. but yes 500 volts is a fact. now dont get yourself kill.

Haha i'll try not to

I guess tank cleanings will be done in rubbermaid boots from now on

 

[fook]

Post pics if you end up getting the big guy.

Post pics even if you don't end up getting him.

 

[arapaimag]

Thankyou.

I was also wondering what theire expected life span is?
and also do they enjoy a strong or mild current?

I have one and owned a few overall.

I bought 2 in 1999 from Sean at Below Water in Montreal at between 9" and 11".

One died in 2009 at approx 36". The other is still alive in a 540g (2044 litres) tank and measured 42" in feb 2010. I don't know how long they will live