Fire eels are generally peaceful towards tank mates, although they may be aggressive towards conspecifics. Conventional wisdom dictates that one fish per tank works best, and that peaceful tank mates that are too large to be eaten, like medium to large barbs, are ideal.
How big does a fire eel get?
The fire eel is the largest species in its family and can reach up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length.
Will fire eels eat other fish?
Tank Mates Although the Fire Eel is a peaceful fish, it is still a predatory creature. Fire Eels will not bother larger fish in the tank but will eat fish that are smaller than they are.
Is a fire eel actually an eel?
Make no mistake—the fire eel is one beautiful freshwater fish. This Southeast Asian native freshwater fish is found in the lowland rivers of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Sumatra. Despite the name, it’s not a true eel—though it resembles one with its long body and pointed snout.
Can you touch a fire eel?
If you take on one of these creatures, you must be very careful if you need to handle the Fire eel. Although Fire eels don’t generally bite, the fish’s dorsal fin is equipped with spines. Although the spines themselves are not poisonous, the slimy mucus they produce is toxic.
What can fire eels live with?
6 Best Tank Mates for Fire Eel in 2021
- Angelfish (Pterophyllum) — Easiest to Care For. Image Credit: Piqsels.
- Barb Fish (Barbus Barbus) — Most Variety.
- Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum Bicirrhosum) — Most Challenging Tank Mate.
- Oscar Fish (Astronotus Ocellatus)
- Green Terror (Andinoacara Rivulatus)
- Bichir Fish (Polypteridae)
Do fire eels bury themselves?
This fish is a nocturnal one. During the day it hides under snags and stones, buries itself in the tank bottom substrate and all you can see is its eyes and a snout. You should make sure that there are no cracks in the tank, otherwise fire eel will easily ‘escape’ from the tank through the tiniest slit.
Can a fire eel hurt you?
Q: Are Fire eels dangerous? A: Mastacembelus erythrotaenia is not dangerous. However, these fish do have sharp dorsal spines, and they secrete a toxic slime, which can be harmful. For that reason, you should avoid handling your eel if at all possible.
What fish can I keep with a fire eel?
One of the best tank mates that you can get for your Fire Eel is an Angelfish. Angelfish have a typically peaceful and timid temperament, and their larger size means the Fire Eel will not see them as food….1. Angelfish (Pterophyllum) — Easiest to Care For.
| Size | 6” long and 8” high |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful and timid |
