African Freshwater Eel

Anguilla bengalensis labiata is a subspecies of the Indian mottled eel distributed across coastal rivers of East Africa from Mozambique to Kenya. Like all Anguilla, it is catadromous: juveniles ascend rivers and spend the majority of their lives in fresh water before returning to the ocean to spawn and die. In captivity they can remain in fresh water indefinitely and grow steadily for decades.

This is an intensely demanding species in terms of aquarium size and escape-proofing. Adults can exert enormous force on lids and covers, and any gap larger than the eel's head diameter represents a potential escape route. Filtration must be excellent given the large bioload of a mature specimen.

Earthworms, prawns, mussel, and frozen fish flesh are all consumed. Due to its large adult size and powerful nature, this species is best kept alone or only with very large robust tankmates. It is a genuine long-term commitment requiring decades of dedicated care.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.5–7.8, temperature 22–27°C, GH 5–15, KH 2–10. Tank: Minimum 400 L, absolutely sealed lid and all pipework, powerful filtration. Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, prawns, mussel, silverside, and frozen fish flesh. Breeding: Catadromous; cannot be bred in captivity. Compatibility: Species tank strongly recommended; extremely predatory toward smaller fish.