Eels

[tuco]

I have a new freshwater tank, and I haven't yet decided what to put in it. It is a long formfactor 38 gallon, measuring L:36" W:12" H:20".
I am very interested in putting in one or two eels, because I have always had a thing for eels. The variety that seems to be best is Peacock eels, because they seem to be able to thrive in my size tank and are generally not very aggressive. To go with them, I am thinking about a group of medium-sized small non-aggressive cichlids to add some colour to the population. I have heard that the eels will eat fish that are much smaller than them, but other than that they are fine in a community.
I would like to know if there are any special concerns that I should be aware of with the eels, as this will be my first experience with them. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or corrections that could benefit my plan.

 

[Salvador Dali]

make sure to cover up the top off the tank very well because ells are known jumpers

 

[jm1212]

if im not mistaken, most freshwater eels get to like 30" long, which would be to large for your tank

 

[liv2padl]

"peacock eel" is a name given to any of a number of 'spiney eels'. the peacock eel is not the most common type of spiney eel .. two larger spiney eels are more commonly found for sale: the tire track eel and the fire eel. The peacock eel is often referred to as the medium sized spiney eel. wild specimens often grow up to 30 centimeters long (12 inches), but in captivity the will often stay around 15 centimeters (6 inches).

Macrognathus aculeatus = 15 inches

http://www.fishinthe.net/html/section-viewarticle-54.html

 

[jm1212]

i guess then if they stay around 6" one would be fine

 

[tuco]

The peacock eel (or spiney eel) also is the most non-aggressive of the eels that I have read about. Both tire-track and fire eels appear to be too aggressive for community tanks.