[ ADVICE ] Eel or no Eel? Beginner keeper.

Hi! As the title says, I am a beginner keeper with fish. I've always had an appreciation for fish, and my partner and I are looking for something to introduce him (and by extension, myself) into the full-scale hobby.

I am searching for advice on a dilemma of mine. Would it be a (Big Quotations) 'Easy' feat to take on an eel first go? Or should I maybe look at some Striped Kuhli Loach? I'm still navigating my preferences for the eel-like look, as I have a huge love for snakes as is, so you can imagine why I'm partial to them.
For further specifics, I'm looking at the Snowflake Moray Eel (Echidna nebulosa), which I've been told to be hardy and good for beginners, otherwise a Freshwater Moray Eel (Gymnothorax polyuranodon) could be a viable alternative.
I am fully aware snowflake moray eels prefer brackish water, and will be learning more about the technicalities of water (im currently in my research phase) as I set up my costing for the intitial/upfront costs.

TLDR
Should I get an eel? All help and advice is appreciated! Any resources on the Snowflake moray would also be greatly appreciated!

 

Hi there!

I would definitely firmly advise against an eel off the bat. A marine setup for the snowflake has a hefty price tag that comes with it and is a serious commitment. From filtration, the large tank itself and to feeding an adequate diet for the eel along with maintainance. It's a large undertaking.

You'd also need to consider things like back up power systems, especially on a large marine tank.

I assume you also mean the "Freshwater" moray needs brackish water? Snowflakes are well and truly marine eels and won't tolerate brackish water to the extent of my knowledge.

Most "freshwater" moray species prefer brackish water. Some can tolerate freshwater but only for limited periods of time. Here's a good article on the "Freshwater" species you mentioned. It's long but worth the read if you intend to get one of these animals

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/187468-Gymnothorax-polyuranodon

 

If you're set on the eel like look, you could get away with an averaged sized set up for something like an African rope fish?

They'd need a tight fitting lid but the husbandry on a freshwater tank would be a lot easier and the learning curve a lot less steep.

Love Khuli loaches but the ones I've had in the past, spent 99% of the time hiding. They're great as a little oddball in a tank that has lots of other activities from other fish, but they aren't a feature fish that you will see often.

 

Hi there! thanks so much for more insight on these amazing critters, I will gladly take your advice on NOT getting one, I've heard ALOT of misinformation then, as many people say Snowflakes ARE brackish. The more you learn!

As for the African rope fish, I HAVE actually considered looking into these guys as well! I am definitely curious about them, and may actually end up with these guys in the end, their dopey smiles make me incredibly happy. Thank you so much again for all the help!! Do you know if African Rope Fish are capable of tankmates? From my brief looking into, they are a hit or miss with tankmates even of the same species.

 

I haven't kept them personally but I've seen them kept with larger Tetras like Congo tetras. I think you'd be fine with most larger and peaceful fish, synodontis catfish, silver dollars, Colombian tetras ect.

Anything that can fit in there mouth will probably end up there

 

I was actually looking more into Ropefish, and I have grown an intense love for their faces , I think I'm going to get ropefish. I wanted to ask in a thread separate to this one about possible tankmates and a suitable size to accommodate 2 ropes as I hear they LOVE the company of other ropes (as well as instances of them making other species fish friends). Would you have any top recommendations for ropefish tankmates + tank size for 2? I get very mixed results over google, some say 55gal (205L) at a minimum but others say more. Thanks for the advicce, everyone!

 

I have also heard this about my research They seem to be hit or miss depending on the fish's personality. I have heard there are Synodontis that go well with them? Thoughts?

 

Thank you so much! The help is incredibly appreciated. I will look into these tankmates further !!