Swamp eel ?'s

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MrRngr94

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 5, 2006
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Central FL
I just saw on the news tonight that there's an infestation of them here in Tampa. So now I'm curious how they are for aquariums. Anyone ever had one or have any advice? I'm thinking if I get one then I can threaten my kids to clean their room or else I'll sick the eel on them:grinyes: But really.. Any advice on them as far as tank size, upkeep, tank mates, etc?
 
That is almost sure to be the Monopterus albus, an asian synbranchidae commonly eaten and widely introduced, very hardy and adaptable. they have sharply pointed tails and many verysmall sharp teeth. They can live for months in burrows beneath dried out rice paddies. They are variable in size depending on the origin of the strain but max out in the largest strains at 40", they eat any meaty foods and a 30" one will eat slender 6-8" fish, crayfish, earthworms, etc. They tolerate crowding and I would have no problem keeping a 2' one in a standard 55g tank or a large adult in an 80g (60"x18"x18") They are not as aggressive as the SA synbrachus, more like warm water versions of american eels. They (like american eels) get quite tame.
 
Thanks. I wouldn't think I could keep a 2' in a 55gal. That's good though b/c I just happen to have a 55. hehehe

I was doing some reading on them and appearantly they start off as females then change to males when they're adults. That's crazy!
 
Most synbranchus go through a sex change, a 2' swamp eel is only around 1 1/2" thick at most and they are very flexible and while a 55g is minimal, it works, putting in some structure like a root knot of some flower pots with holes in them give them a place to poke around in.

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I don't know about the asian swamp eel, I have a south american one and I like it a lot. It's an interesting fish. Doesn't move much but sometimes comes to look at you, and occasionally wiggles real quick :D

It's only 8" and skinny as an earthworm, but the thing really eats. Devours bloodworms, bits of mussel and whole mealworms. It does huge turds too.
 
I sure did man, santiago's only petshop with is really crap with loads of dead fish happens to have a little freezer with bloodworms. Shovelnose is eating a lot too, the only fish that doesnt appear to be eating much is the knife. Do you know what they fed it?

How's the channa and her apple tankmate? :D
 
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