However, according to their anatomy, they are just an elongated version of fish. It would surprise you, but many years ago, people confused eels with snakes, because of their uncanny resemblance. Here are some fun and bizarre facts about freshwater aquarium eels. Among them, the most popular is from the genus Mastacembelidae, classified as spiny eels, such as the tire track eel and fire eel. Unlike other types eels, Anguillidae freshwater eels have scales on their body and they are a crucial source of food in some parts of the world, especially in Europe where they’re bred on farms at large scales.Ī very few species of freshwater aquarium eels acquire the aquarium hobby. Around 15 to 20 freshwater species of eels fall into the Anguilla genus, including the very popular American eels, Moray eel, Spaghetti eel, and European eels. The true freshwater eels belong to the family Anguillidae and the genus Anguilla. Freshwater eels are catadromous, living their entire lives in freshwater and migrating downstream to spawn in the ocean. The freshwater eels are nocturnal eels, meaning they prey at night with their rather weak eyesight but an incredible sense of smell.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the 11 best types of freshwater eels for your aquarium.īut first, let’s discuss some fun facts about freshwater aquarium that you might have missed. If you feel like normal freshwater fish is too mainstream, why don’t you consider keeping freshwater eels as pets?Įels make excellent pets and are a remarkable addition to your home aquariums. Chloroquine Phosphate Aquarium Dosing Calculator.

Fresh water drift wood