eel help

amymimi

New Member
I want to get a new eel for my tank. I was wondering between snowflake and chainlink. But!!! I really really like the tesselatas. I don't know much about them, like suitable tank size or behavior. Please gimme some advice! Thanks! Moz6703@aol.com
 

lionfish

Member
LionFish says.......
Well, as far as I'm concerned, those Tesselatas are one of the meanest eels to be found. They don't like just about anything and have one nasty attitude. They also need a larger tank than snowflakes and chainlinks. I personally have a snowflake eel. They are very cool, hardy, and interesting to watch. He takes all foods I give him. He eats small, meaty foods such as: krill, brine shrimp, mussel, squid, and silversides. Feed them a varied diet to keep them healthy. They don't need as large of a tank as Tesselatas do. They can go in tank of 45 gallons or more. Some people even have them in smaller tanks with no problems although, I recommend a 45 gallon or more. Chainlinks are basically the same as snowflakes only the color difference. They eat the same foods and require the other forms of basic are needed to keep a snowflake healthy. They both are very hardy which is a plus and they are relatively easy to care for and they are, compared to most eels, docile. Of course this doesn't mean that they are really nice as they will still eat inverts and small fish. I would recommend that you avoid the Tesselata unless you want a big tank with a couple really mean fish in it.
 

chopper320

Member
Hey I am a newbie but I agree with lionfish. I have a snowflake and he is awesome. He will eat anything I give him. The one thing to be aware of about eels is that they have bad eyesight and go mostly on smells...This means that it is best not to try to hand feed them as they may accidentally take a bite of your hand. I use a pair of plastic tongs for mine. They are considered nocturnal but mine has his head out of the rocks all day and usually takes 1-2 good swims around the aquarium everyday. He is also very docile towards his tankmates. Good Luck and hope I have helped a little! :)
 

guppie

Member
My vote would have to be the snowflake. Just a week ago I was trying to decided between the snowflake and the chainlink. Everyone seemed to say go with the snowflake. well I am happy I did, he has been a great addition to my tank, very active for a eel. I would stay away from the Tesselatas they have one a my lfs and it has been there for over a year, a couple of people have bought it and returned it. Good Luck
 
I'd stay away from the tasselatas, they get real big, and real mean, awesome looking eel tho. I'd go with the snowflake very easy to keep and seems very friendly.
 

charmin_fatcat

New Member
Just thought that I would mention that when you get an eel, make sure he can not escape out of your tank!! They will fit through a very small opening. I had bought a snowflake and thought that the lid was okay on the tank, he escaped, thank goodness I was there to save him, as I heard some russeling. After fixing the opening again, and placing a heavy object on top, he escaped again, but this time the cat found him before I did.=( Dumb cat, expensive treat for her. I would definately get a snowflake again, but make sure the tank lid is okay before you add him. Good luck!
 

amymimi

New Member
Thanks for all the advice!!! I'm leaning toward a snowflake, but tasselatas are so pretty!!! Also, how large do they grow and what size tank would they need??? Thanks again!!!
 

chopper320

Member
According to my book "Marine Fishes", they get about 6ft. That is pretty big! I would say at least 200 gal but that is just my guess. Maybe the experts know better. ;)
 

wolffam

Member
I like the snowflake eel. Currently have it in a tank with a yellow tang. They have formed what seems to be a strange friendship. When I feed the snowflake, I drop whatever I'm feeding it in the tank. They tang will catch it and bring it down to the place where the eel is at. The eel will come out and chase the tang away and eat the food. Ever once in awhile the tang will eat the food and deliver the next piece. This is cool to watch.
 
Top