American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)

American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are beautifully unique species of true eel native to the eastern coast of North America. American eels are catadromous which means they spend their lives in brackish and freshwater, only returning to the sea to spawn. All American eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea, at which point the adults die and the babies disperse themselves towards the coast where they will enter estuaries and move towards freshwater. They are predominantly nocturnal and are most active at night. They prey upon just about any aquatic organism that will fit into their mouthes, however they mainly feed upon aquatic invertebrates and small fish. 

 Currently available animals are wild-caught from tidal waters of the east coast. 

Some may have minor cosmetic imperfections such as an imperfect fin or old scar.

*All reporting for licensed dealers of American eels done in accordance with PFBC and ASMFC*

Care Level: Intermediate.

Diet: Carnivorous, eating just about anything they can try to fit into their mouthes. Fish, shrimp, crawfish, crabs, tadpoles, worms etc. I have had some that will take to pellets with time, but I have never made pellets a significant portion of their diet. 

Adult Size: Females can reach lengths of up to 48” while males typically stay smaller between 24”-36”.

pH: 6.5-8.5

Water Temp: 55-75F. Temperatures below 75F are ideal long-term. 

Other Care Preferences: Eels are escape artists, this can’t be stressed enough. A secure lid and filtration are absolutely necessary. Tankmates should be chosen carefully as to avoid picking species that will harass the eels but also to avoid fish that will get harassed or eaten by the eels. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*