Dwarf / Small Eels

[gmate]

I understand that most eels grow to be 2ft+. I would feel fairly comfortable keeping a SFE in my 55g corner bowfront as a species tank only (30 inches by 30 inches). I would rather keep a smaller eel and then feel comfortable with a few other fish as well. Any recommendations on anything that stays under 2 feet? I've heard Golden Eel.

Should I just wait until I'm using a 90g+? I'm patient, and I've run aquariums long enough to have patience and never impulse buy. My stocking list is going to be well planned on this tank. I am planning to have corals, and I know eels can be clumsy. So smaller = better for me.

Just a thought I'm tossing around, I'm not set on an eel. But they are magnificent and gorgeous creatures.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+29+123&pcatid=123
Says max size is 1'2", but I take everything on that website with a grain of salt. I know garden eels require a DSB, which I could provide if needed.

 

[namxas]

GE's are tuff to keep...not impossible, but they require at least a 7" sandbed, and are tuff to get eating.

I think a better choice would be a GDM (Golden Dwarf Moray, Gymnothorax melatremus). They stay small (10" or so in captivity), don't require such a specialized setup, and are much easier to feed.

 

[gmate]

Thanks, that's the kind of tip I needed. I'll speak with my LFS and see what I can do about ordering one. Unless you know of an online vendor that could ship with some sort of live on arrival guarantee.

 

[namxas]

DD has the eel fairly regularly, and they're tops in shipping and customer service. We've gotten several of our scorps thru them.

In fact, they have one now...it's not as yellow as some, but it should be well conditioned by now:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=138247

 

[Moray keeper]

GDM's, goldentails, skeletor, snowflake, chainlink, the list goes on an on. Let me know what in particular you want for eels and I will point you in the right direction.

 

[gmate]

GDM seems like the eel for me. After reading up the profiles on what you posted, MorayKeeper, GDM seems like a small and easily to feed (should readily accept frozen foods) specimen. I'm not objected to a SFE though. I know I could put a SFE in a 55 if neccessary but I would like the creature to thrive, not just live. And for that reason, I would wait until I have a bigger tank to support that species.

At a 10"-1'6" max size, the GDM seems like the eel for me. I know Diver's Den comes with the LOA guarantee and has customer service repetoir to back it up, but the 279.99 price tag is a bit much for me. I know I can't be picky when it comes to getting the fish, we all know you get what you pay for in this hobby. I'll have to see what my LFS can arrange.

Thanks

 

[Moray keeper]

GDM seems like the eel for me. After reading up the profiles on what you posted, MorayKeeper, GDM seems like a small and easily to feed (should readily accept frozen foods) specimen. I'm not objected to a SFE though. I know I could put a SFE in a 55 if neccessary but I would like the creature to thrive, not just live. And for that reason, I would wait until I have a bigger tank to support that species.

At a 10"-1'6" max size, the GDM seems like the eel for me. I know Diver's Den comes with the LOA guarantee and has customer service repetoir to back it up, but the 279.99 price tag is a bit much for me. I know I can't be picky when it comes to getting the fish, we all know you get what you pay for in this hobby. I'll have to see what my LFS can arrange.

Thanks

Snowflake could easily thrive in a 55. I usually go with the more unique eels though and GDMs are a great eel. I have a bunch of them, lol.

 

[gmate]

The one in the Diver's Den is 279.99 with shipping. I contacted two different LFS within an hour of me and one quoted me at 150, another would 'get back to me' with a price.

Sold!

 

[DoubleM 10]

i have had a ghost ribbon. great fish. mine took to frozen right away

i have now a black ribbon eel and it is amazing. all the work i had to put in to get him to eat frozen was well worth it..3 week before he ate a peppermint shrimp i put in cause he was on sale. then 6 months before i was able to get him to eat frozen. now he is in my display and looks great wiht the other fish in a standard 55gal.

both a fair price of under 100.00