Electric Eel

[Yoda1]

Hi All,

I might have an opportunity to get an Electric Eel.
But before I potentially go ahead, I want to do my homework first.

Where can I get reliable info on keeping these
In particular:
Recomended tank size
Water parameters
Tank decor
feeding

Does anyone have experience with them?

Thanks
Yoda

 

[ibz_rg]

Well they typically get about 6' long and can weigh up to 45 lbs. I'd recommend about a 7'x7' tank, to be honest.

 

[CLDarnell]

Hello...

Not saying you shouldn't get one, but from what I have read, I personally don't think they would bring much satisfaction for what it would take to keep one. First, you're going to need a very large tank. They get up to 5' in length in captivity with a potential of 8' long. They prefer dark, muddy waters and they aren't all that active. They need to be kept in a solitary tank.

That's a lot of tank to have it dark, grungy and basically not all that interesting. Though it would be cool to say you have one, I think the resources required are better used to keep more interesting livestock.

Just my 0.02

 

[Yoda1]

Hi ibz_rg & CLDarnel,

No, thanks for your honest input. I would rather know up front that they are not for me, or what is required, than make a mistake and regret it later.

 

[Fat Homer]

all i can say is make sure if you do get one make sure to get really long gloves that go past your elbows for maintenance, otherwise if you get your hands wet you maybe in for a real shocker..

 

[MonsterMinis]

all i can say is make sure if you do get one make sure to get really long gloves that go past your elbows for maintenance, otherwise if you get your hands wet you maybe in for a real shocker..

if the size and requirements alone aren't enough.. then this would seal the deal for me.. these guys can be very dangerous to work with. was at a LFS last week that had a 2' in an open-top tank on the bottom shelf.. I actually pulled my husband back abit since he was getting too close for comfort for me. ... imo you're better of looking into a lungfish if your intreagued with an electric eel. they have a similar body shape, but are more active and can make interesting pets, and not quite so dangerous to deal with either. Though they can bite pretty nasty.

 

[Yoda1]

Lungfish....good idea. Thanks for the suggestion.
I will do some research on that section of the forum.