Unlucky Fire Eels

Just thought I would share the bad luck I have had with fire eels.

Some months ago I was given a 2ft tank by a friend to start up again. We each bought a fire eel (about 15cm) and, since I was still cycling my tank in preparation, he was keeping my FE in his tank till mine was ready. Unfortunately he was burgled and the #@$%@ threw cigarette butts and possibly some other unknown chemicles into his tank which destroyed his community and obviously my FE .

Upset but determined to have a fire eel, I proceeded to my LFS to order another. Yesterday (I was about to give up hope) I got a call to tell me that my FE would arive at 17:45 and I could pick it up then, but the poor fella died in transit :sick:. The owner assured me that he would be able to procure another FE from a different supplier and I would be able to have it the very next morning. Tragedy struck that night however and the FE was found the morning on the floor having escaped its tank :bawling:.

I am still determined to have my FE though so wish me (and the FE) luck.:trytofly:
P.S. my friend has since re-established his community and its doing very well.

 

That really suck. Hope you get a marvelous FE at the end.

 

WTF why do they always have to mess up the stuff they don't take.....
I hope you get a fe soon they are really awesome to keep.

 

So, you planning on upgrading to atleast a 1.5 meter right? These fish grow fast and you will not be able to keep it in a 2ft for long.

 

geez,thats some bad luck you got there,go and see a spiritual healer,hehe..hope your luck turns around..

 

Perhaps it's a sign......or not

 

Since this has started I have prepared a 3ft ready for its arrival with bigger on its way

 

Oh man, that is really bad luck...:sad2: the sad thing about FE's are, I believe, is that the each importer is only permitted to bring up to five in to the country at a time... That is said under correction though, not sure how true it is, but it sounds plausible to me.

I've also had back luck with fire eels in the past, not quite that bad though, I would recommend getting a bigger eel than 15cm, its not easy to feed them at that size esp in a community tank. Try a size that looks like it will at least eat small earthworms...

My FE is doing really well in fact, hand fed on earth worms (they love the stuff). In fact is on youtube already (video), haha. I love fire eels, they are by far my favourite fish, I was just as determined to get one.

Post some pics when you have your new eel. Good luck, they are awesome, and its very rewarding feeding them by hand.

 

jedigenie
What goes around comes around, those fish killing stealing thugs will eventually get what they deserve.
Some things are meant to be others are not.
Sorry bro

cool vid - do you clean out the worms before feeding
sucks to be a worm

 

Thnx man. I rinse the worms to get all the sand and stuff off and then feed him.

 

nice,i have a question:will other eels also eat earth worms?

 

I've not kept any other eels, but i reckon they will, my ropefish (may they rest in peace) also loved them and ate from my hand.

Although most fish love them, my kribensis and catfishes go wild for an earthworm treat.

 

cool,i have 2 young catfish sharks .

 

Jedigenie, where are you located? If you're in Durban I can get you a Fire eel for a really good price, and a good size as well.