American Freshwater Eel (Anguilla rostrata)

Scientific Name(s): Anguilla rostrata

 

Common Name(s): American eel, American freshwater eel, Anguila eel, Common eel, European eel, European freshwater eel, Silver eel, Glass eel, Yellow eel

 

Family: Anguillidae

 

Species Type: Freshwater Eels

 

Maximum Size: 42 inches

 

Life Span: 40 years

 

Natural Habitat: North American freshwater streams

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

 

Tank Region: Bottom

 

Possible Tank Mates: The American Freshwater Eel can live with a variety of tank mates. Just make sure that tank mates are big enough to avoid being eaten.

 

Description: This freshwater eel is found all along both North American coastlines. While the eel lives most of it's life in freshwater streams and rivers, it is also able to survive in the ocean. The eel is brown and gold and can reach lengths of up to 40 inches.

It is long and slender with a snake like appearance. Because they are nearly impossible to breed in captivity, the eels found in fish stores are wild caught. These eels are mostly nocturnal, but may come out during the day.

 

Temperature Range 40°F - 90°F

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90°F

 

pH Range 6.8 - 8.6

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 15° - 45°

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10°

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Breeding Information: Breeding is not possible in a home aquarium setting.

 

Sexing Information: Females are much larger than males. Females can get as big as 40 inches, while males tend to stay under 22 inches.

 

Diet: Omnivorous - the American Freshwater Eel is not a picky eater. Sinking pellets or frozen foods are a good choice.

 

Temperment: The American Freshwater Eel is not over aggressive to other fish, but may eat fish small enough to fit into it's mouth.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species

 

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American Freshwater Eel (Anguilla rostrata)