Max Size of Zebra Eels?

T

toruk

New member
*Please Don't crucify me for asking this*

But I wanted to know the true max size for these guys. I see a lot that they can get 5ft+ but I have never actually seen someone with an eel that big. I know people often estimate how big thier eels off based on the looking through the tank and I know this method can be super inaccurate. Basically has anyone ever owned a Zebra that big? I am planning an eel only tank and I really like Zebra eel's. Long term I was thinking a 4x18in tank but if I get the zebra(based on thier max size) would a 5x18in be big enough? I am assuming the footprint would be the most important part. It seems online I have seen thier size from 3-6ft even. With some people swearing they had a 6ft eel. I am just thinking that is as big as a tesselata eel. Maybe they do not get as thick?

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/fm/index.php <-- This is the website I have been using for a lot of me research and I would like to think it is accurate. They state Zebra's at 3ft which I am assuming is 'average' size? Again if I get the Zebra it would be the only fish in the tank and I know they are not super active. FYI I have not committed to anything yet I am just doing research.

Thanks!
 
Thank you both for your quick replies. For fish base its says max 60in roughly. I checked some other fish and it said max size for an oscar was around 16-18in. Which I guess is possible. So I guess 5ft is possible for a zebra but 3-4ft being more average?

So Let me ask you guys this, what tank footprint would you average adult Zebra Eel need if kept by itself?
 
toruk said:
Thank you both for your quick replies. For fish base its says max 60in roughly. I checked some other fish and it said max size for an oscar was around 16-18in. Which I guess is possible. So I guess 5ft is possible for a zebra but 3-4ft being more average?

So Let me ask you guys this, what tank footprint would you average adult Zebra Eel need if kept by itself?
Click to expand...

The only way you will see one near 5ft will be one collected at that size... filtration capacity is the limiting factor on tank size (lots of waste) They find a spot and won't move from there unless they are hungry. 75-90g is plenty large enough space wise
 
Thanks I think I am going to go with the zebra. I have some mollies I may throw in there with him. I am going to go with multiple Remora C skimmers and maybe invest in a refugium. Thanks all!
 
I think a good rule of thumb on max size in captivity is to take the fishbase max size and multiple it by 80%. My zebra eel, which I got a few years ago around 18" is approaching 30" now. Hopefully in a few more years he'll still be growing, I'd love to have a 4' someday.
 
Biggest i've seen is 3ft after a LONG time.. I don't doubt under the right conditions that they'll get 5ft, i've just never seen it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I had a one for seven years it was under 18" when I got it and around 36" when I had to get rid it.

Day1


6 years later
 
Well Eels do live quite a while(Like 30 years right?) So by that time im sure it could get 5ft I just don't think it's the norm. Thanks for the post guys and thank you for posting pics welsher7 that eels looks amazing! I love how thick they get.
 
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