European Eel
Anguilla anguilla
The European Eel is a fascinating, snake-like, and critically endangered fish renowned for its incredible transatlantic migration and extreme longevity.
Ideal Conditions
- Temperature
- 4 – 25 °C
- pH range
- 6.5 – 8.5
- Hardness
- 5 – 25 dGH
- Salinity
- 1 – 1.025 SG
- Adult size
- 50 – 130 cm
- Large indoor vat or secure pond
- 2,000 litres+
- Lifespan
- 15 – 85 years
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Water flow
- moderate
- Preferred setup
- Soft sandy substrate with extensive pipework or rocky caves for hiding. Extremely tight-fitting lids are mandatory.
About the European Eel
Boasting one of the most remarkable life cycles in the animal kingdom, the European Eel transforms through several distinct phases. From transparent 'glass eels' entering European estuaries to the yellowish-brown residents of inland lakes, they eventually become silver-bellied adults ready for their terminal migration. Though historically abundant in European waterways, they are now critically endangered, meaning keeping them in captivity carries a heavy conservation and ethical responsibility.
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Where European Eel comes from
Native range
Europe, North Africa, Sargasso Sea
Countries / regions
United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands
Habitat
Inhabits a vast range of environments from coastal marine waters and estuaries to upland rivers, lakes, and muddy ponds.
A highly migratory species, spawning in the Sargasso Sea before drifting as larvae to European coasts, where they enter freshwater to grow.
Similar species
American Eel
Anguilla rostrata
Japanese Eel
Anguilla japonica
Burbot
Lota lota
We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.
Compatible tank mates
Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.
- Great
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Large and robust enough to ignore the eel, thriving in the same coldwater environments.
- Great
Diamond Sturgeon
Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Large, armour-plated bottom dwellers that will comfortably co-exist with adult eels in massive ponds.
- Compatible with caution
Tench
Tinca tinca
Adult tench are safe, but smaller specimens may be seen as prey by a fully grown female eel.
- Not recommended
Common Goldfish
Carassius auratus
High risk of predation; eels are opportunistic hunters that will consume resting fish at night.
- Not recommended
Minnows and Sticklebacks
Small native fish constitute the natural diet of adult eels and will be quickly eaten.
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