Eel ID

AndyR83

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Hi,

I bought this eel about two months ago. It’s still incredibly shy, but I generally have no concerns. It’s usually always inside the same length of PVC pipe except when feeding, and even then only about two inches of it poke out to grab a bite. This tank was specifically aquascaped to make it a nice home for eels, so it includes many hiding places and mild lighting. I’m still hopeful this one may be seen more as time goes on but I understand reclusiveness is natural eel behavior and I’m ok with this either way. I noted a bit more of a predisposition towards hiding with this eel compared to my snowflakes and was hoping to research the species a bit more in-depth. This ultimately led me here to get a definitive ID.

The LFS told me this eel was a chainlink when I bought it. That said, it was a busy night and I don’t know if they actually laid eyes on it or not before saying this. I often go to this particular store on the day they receive new livestock shipments and this eel was still floating in the shipping bag when I got it. I could see a case of mistaken identity being possible since this is a high volume store and it’s often hectic, plus I know they got several eels in that week’s shipment.

The eel was about 5 inches long when purchased. It’s tough to be sure, but I think it’s about 8 or 9 inches currently. Its only two colors are distinctly white and brown. Tankmates include a snowflake eel who often shares the same PVC hiding spot for short periods, a dogface puffer, a fuzzy dwarf lion, and a watchman goby. I can add more pics if needed as well.

Thanks!



37589778-0C3A-4AA2-9AA9-B38083AB1962.jpeg
7794543E-ACBE-4B7C-A6E4-49068D5B1847.jpeg
3528AAB7-EFD8-467C-8958-990020DAC501.jpeg
83061068-E391-4F44-9FDF-7393A5AE8C00.jpeg
 

Casket_Case

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I don’t know a lot about eels but I’m trying to find it... I’m thinking chain link or Banded?
 
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lion king

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Looks like a chainlink to me, he's still a baby. The face looks like a banded but the body looks like a chainlink, markings vary and juvi's have more diffused markings; a banded would have somewhat symmetrical bands that go from head to toe. With the snowflake as a buddy, he'll likely start coming out more when he matures a bit.
 

S2G

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I say banded. Its def not a chainlink

20200118_235105.jpg
Here's when I first got it. 20200118_234933.jpg
 

Jaebster

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Hi,

I bought this eel about two months ago. It’s still incredibly shy, but I generally have no concerns. It’s usually always inside the same length of PVC pipe except when feeding, and even then only about two inches of it poke out to grab a bite. This tank was specifically aquascaped to make it a nice home for eels, so it includes many hiding places and mild lighting. I’m still hopeful this one may be seen more as time goes on but I understand reclusiveness is natural eel behavior and I’m ok with this either way. I noted a bit more of a predisposition towards hiding with this eel compared to my snowflakes and was hoping to research the species a bit more in-depth. This ultimately led me here to get a definitive ID.

The LFS told me this eel was a chainlink when I bought it. That said, it was a busy night and I don’t know if they actually laid eyes on it or not before saying this. I often go to this particular store on the day they receive new livestock shipments and this eel was still floating in the shipping bag when I got it. I could see a case of mistaken identity being possible since this is a high volume store and it’s often hectic, plus I know they got several eels in that week’s shipment.

The eel was about 5 inches long when purchased. It’s tough to be sure, but I think it’s about 8 or 9 inches currently. Its only two colors are distinctly white and brown. Tankmates include a snowflake eel who often shares the same PVC hiding spot for short periods, a dogface puffer, a fuzzy dwarf lion, and a watchman goby. I can add more pics if needed as well.

Thanks!



37589778-0C3A-4AA2-9AA9-B38083AB1962.jpeg
7794543E-ACBE-4B7C-A6E4-49068D5B1847.jpeg
3528AAB7-EFD8-467C-8958-990020DAC501.jpeg
83061068-E391-4F44-9FDF-7393A5AE8C00.jpeg
That's a super cool looking eel!
 

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