American Eel
NameAmerican Eel
Scientific NameAnguilla rostrata
Common NamesAmerican Eel, Atlantic Eel, Silver Eel, Yellow Eel
FamilyAnguillidae
OriginNorth America, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)48
Water TypeBrackish
Temperature Range (°F)50-80
pH Range6.5-8.0
Compatible SpeciesLarge robust catfish, Large cichlids (e.g., Oscar, Green Terror), Other large bottom dwellers (with caution)
Description
The American Eel is a catadromous fish native to eastern North America, characterized by its serpentine body and migratory life cycle. It spends most of its life in freshwater or brackish estuaries before migrating to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. These nocturnal predators require very large, secure tanks due to their size and escape artist tendencies.
