European Eel

Anguilla anguilla is one of Europe's most recognisable freshwater fish, spending the majority of its life in rivers and lakes across Europe and North Africa before undertaking an extraordinary trans-Atlantic migration to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. It is currently listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and must only be sourced from licensed, sustainable suppliers.

In a large, cool-water aquarium this species makes a fascinating and enduring specimen fish. It is remarkably hardy once established and will accept a wide temperature range, making it suitable for unheated aquariums in temperate climates. The absolute requirement is a completely sealed aquarium: European eels can and will exploit any gap in the lid or pipework.

All meaty foods are taken greedily: earthworms, prawns, mussel, and frozen fish flesh. This species can live for several decades in captivity and represents one of the longest-lived freshwater fish available to aquarists. Its conservation status demands a responsible and informed approach to keeping.

Water: Soft to hard, pH 6.5–8.0, temperature 10–25°C, GH 5–20, KH 3–15. Tank: Minimum 500 L, absolutely sealed, unheated or cool temperate, powerful filtration. Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, prawns, mussel, silverside, and frozen fish flesh. Breeding: Cannot be bred in captivity; Sargasso Sea spawner. Compatibility: Species tank only; consumes any fish it can catch.