Chainlink Eel size

jasonrusso

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So I was ready to order my chainlink eel, then I started reading conflicting information. I was under the impression that they get 24-28." Then I saw 40-65"!! What have you seen in your experience??
 

ISpeakForTheSeas

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So I was ready to order my chainlink eel, then I started reading conflicting information. I was under the impression that they get 24-28." Then I saw 40-65"!! What have you seen in your experience??
From what I've read, they typically reach ~16-28" (with ~24-28" being more common), but the max size (not the size most commonly seen in adult specimens, but basically the largest size found so far) is ~65".

To put that in perspective using humans as an example: the average height globally for men, is 5' 7.5" while the "max height" recorded is 8' 11"

When there's a drastic difference like with chainlink eels and humans, you don't expect any specimen (or person) to reach that max size or even anywhere close to it - it's technically possible, but absurdly unlikely.
 

Solo McReefer

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That thing is gonna scare the bajeezus out of the wife when it goes carpet surfing

That thing is ugly

I had snowflake eels back in the day, no way to keep them in my tanks if they wanted out

In the end, they all became eel jerky before they got big
 
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jasonrusso

jasonrusso

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From what I've read, they typically reach ~16-28" (with ~24-28" being more common), but the max size (not the size most commonly seen in adult specimens, but basically the largest size found so far) is ~65".

To put that in perspective using humans as an example: the average height globally for men, is 5' 7.5" while the "max height" recorded is 8' 11"

When there's a drastic difference like with chainlink eels and humans, you don't expect any specimen (or person) to reach that max size or even anywhere close to it - it's technically possible, but absurdly unlikely.
And of course the one I had my eye on all week was sold today when I went to buy it.
 

littlefoxx

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So I was ready to order my chainlink eel, then I started reading conflicting information. I was under the impression that they get 24-28." Then I saw 40-65"!! What have you seen in your experience??
They usually are 2 feet
 

littlefoxx

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That thing is gonna scare the bajeezus out of the wife when it goes carpet surfing

That thing is ugly

I had snowflake eels back in the day, no way to keep them in my tanks if they wanted out

In the end, they all became eel jerky before they got big
Thats why you get a good heavy lid… have 3 eels, two for a year now never had any go carpet surfing.
 

Slocke

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Fish kept in tanks rarely reach full size. Will probably max out at 18-24”
Thats why you get a good heavy lid… have 3 eels, two for a year now never had any go carpet surfing.
Exactly. Glass lids are way too much for my eels.
 

Solo McReefer

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Thats why you get a good heavy lid… have 3 eels, two for a year now never had any go carpet surfing.
One went out through the tubes

Lots of reefers used siphon overflows back then

I might get a snowflake for the big tank, I've seen them big though. But still cute looking, not like a monster

They don't cost a jillion bucks these days I hope?. Probably do
 

Slocke

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One went out through the tubes

Lots of reefers used siphon overflows back then

I might get a snowflake for the big tank, I've seen them big though. But still cute looking, not like a monster

They don't cost a jillion bucks these days I hope?. Probably do
Snowflakes can get to 3’. They are fairly cheap for a saltwater fish. Probably $50-100
 

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