I have two fire eels that are 28" or so and about 2.5 years old. They seem to thoroughly enjoy each other's company, and even share a large pipe. After having been told repeatedly that they would start fighting, I'm just not seeing any signs of that. I'm just trying to find out if these fish are not mature yet or if I possibly have a pair that could in the right situtation breed. Anyone experienced with breeding these fish?
Anyone bred fire eels?
- Thread starter Wet Whiskers
- Start date
The end of this article has some interesting tidbits. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/spinyeelsmonk.htm
And while I don't always endorse the information from this next website, here is an informative blurb:
Breeding Fire Eels
Breeding Fire eels in captivity is very hard, but not impossible. Distinguish the sexes can be difficult, but a mature female is plumper than the male. When spawnings have occurred in captivity, the parents have been longer than 50 centimeters (20 inches). The Fire eel is a plant spawning fish that should be kept in a large and well planted aquarium. Keep the pH and dH at optimal levels and let the water temperature become a little higher than normally, from 27 to 29° C (81 to 84° F). The eggs are translucent and the female Fire eel will place roughly 800 to 1200 eggs in floating plants. The eggs are around 12 millimeters (1/20 inch) in diameter. Newly hatched Fire eels must be feed very small live food. Over feeding the fry is a common reason behind extensive Fire ell fry death. When kept on a suitable diet, the fry will grow very fast.
And while I don't always endorse the information from this next website, here is an informative blurb:
Breeding Fire Eels
Breeding Fire eels in captivity is very hard, but not impossible. Distinguish the sexes can be difficult, but a mature female is plumper than the male. When spawnings have occurred in captivity, the parents have been longer than 50 centimeters (20 inches). The Fire eel is a plant spawning fish that should be kept in a large and well planted aquarium. Keep the pH and dH at optimal levels and let the water temperature become a little higher than normally, from 27 to 29° C (81 to 84° F). The eggs are translucent and the female Fire eel will place roughly 800 to 1200 eggs in floating plants. The eggs are around 12 millimeters (1/20 inch) in diameter. Newly hatched Fire eels must be feed very small live food. Over feeding the fry is a common reason behind extensive Fire ell fry death. When kept on a suitable diet, the fry will grow very fast.
Madding;4385326; said:
Thanks. I hadn't seen the first article which was more helpful than anything I had found. When the catfish outgrow the 600, the eels are destined for it. Interestingly enough, one eel is thicker than the other, though they are close to the same length, and have been raised in the exact same environment. Makes me wonder if I might have a male and a female.
DMasker;4385617; said:
I can't think of a breeding project I would be more excited about. And, with the autowater change system, I'd actually have a shot at keeping the water clean enough. Well, if/when the time comes, I will make sure I document with notes, pictures and videos.
Would love to hear how it goes =) I'm hoping in the next few years to attempt to induce mine as well. Though I'm planning an indoor pond set-up. My 3 can get very aggressive at times with each other, so if you're 2 get along 100% I wouldn't doubt you've likely got a bonded pair.
MonsterMinis;4386743; said:
Seriously, I'm not even sure what fire eel aggression looks like. There has never been any biting, chasing, or bullying. In fact, I was disapointed the other day that we dont know where our camera charger is. The two of them were squeezed into their pipe with their heads popping out looking at me to see if I had brought any dinner yet. I have that exact picture from when they were like 14". I'd love to get the same thing now that they are larger.
Fat Homer;4387046; said:
Oh man. I couldn't imagine. I've had discus breed before. It was fun, but I would be even so much more excited. I'm so attached to these eels that I can't imagine how much fun it would be to have a successfully breeding pair. If everything stays status quo with these two, i'll figure out a way to give them the 600 to themselves for a while.