hey, glad to see that eel in good home (its me, the guy who gave it to you... yeah, I play a little on this forum also, but spend more time over "there" at the other one).
Is he eating? Healing up ok? He is a beautiful fish, now that he is in a safe place, he should pick up some wieght and color. I am really really happy that you like him so much, and glad you could get him before the Aba killed him.
My understanding is, he was like 4-5 years old. I got him from a guy that bought him when he was about 4"... and had him either 4 or 5 years before giving him to me (I forget exactly what he said). Was housed with a big banded leporinus, some cories, hatchet fish and other small fish his whole life.
GR8 is lucky to find such a big eel, but I think think the big eel is lucky to find such a good home!! Hope he fattens up for you. He was much thicker when I got him... before he started his starvation diet in my tank!