Eel-Red Fire (200-250mm)

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Red Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Elongated and cylindrical with a smooth, slimy surface. Resembles a snake in shape.
  • Color: Predominantly bright red or reddish-orange with darker bands or spots. The vivid coloration can resemble flames or embers, contributing to the common name "Red Fire Eel."
  • Size: Typically grows to 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) in length. Some individuals may reach up to 36 inches (90 cm) in larger tanks.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Nocturnal; most active during the night. They spend the day hiding in crevices or burrows.
  • Social Structure: Generally solitary and territorial. They can exhibit aggressive behavior, especially towards other eels or fish that invade their space.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters) for a single Red Fire Eel. Larger tanks are preferable to provide ample swimming and hiding space.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). Stable, warm water conditions are ideal.
  • pH: 6.5-7.5. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They can tolerate a range of hardness but prefer softer water.
  • Filtration: Strong filtration is crucial due to their bioload. Ensure good water circulation but avoid strong currents that could stress the eel.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is best. It should be gentle on their skin and allow for burrowing.
  • Aquascaping: Provide ample hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and PVC pipes or tubes. Red Fire Eels need secure places to hide and feel safe.
  • Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is sufficient. They are more active at night, so bright lighting is not necessary.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Carnivorous; feed a varied diet including live or frozen foods such as fish, shrimp, worms, and small mollusks. High-quality carnivore pellets can also be included.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like cut-up seafood or earthworms to provide dietary variety.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Best kept with other large, non-aggressive fish. Avoid small or overly aggressive tank mates that might provoke or be eaten by the eel.
  • Social Behavior: Solitary by nature; do not keep multiple eels in the same tank unless it is very large and well-structured to minimize territorial disputes.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are necessary to maintain water quality and manage the bioload.
  • Cleaning: Clean the tank regularly and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is efficient and capable of handling the high bioload.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like skin lesions or discoloration.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address signs of disease or stress promptly to ensure the well-being of your Red Fire Eel.