American Eel

Anguilla rostrata shares its general biology and life history with the European eel, migrating from freshwater rivers across eastern North America to spawn in the Sargasso Sea. Juvenile yellow eels can spend 15–25 years in fresh water before maturing and migrating, and in captivity they grow steadily and can live for several decades.

Of the two Atlantic Anguilla species, the American eel is considered slightly more robust in captivity and adapts well to aquarium conditions once established. It tolerates a wide temperature range and a broad span of water chemistry, making it practical for keepers without access to specially prepared soft water.

All meaty foods are accepted with enthusiasm: earthworms, prawns, mussel, silverside, and chunks of frozen fish are all suitable. An absolutely escape-proof aquarium is the single non-negotiable requirement, as American eels are powerful and inquisitive enough to exploit any imperfection in the lid or pipework.

Water: Adaptable, pH 6.5–8.0, temperature 10–25°C, GH 5–20, KH 3–15. Tank: Minimum 400 L, completely sealed, powerful filtration, unheated or cool-temperate. Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, prawns, mussel, silverside, and frozen fish flesh. Breeding: Cannot be bred in captivity; Sargasso Sea spawner. Compatibility: Species tank only; will consume any smaller fish or invertebrate.