Aqua Fauna Research Logo

Freshwater Eel

Author : Efrain Silva

Let’s talk about eels, my friends — gooey, wet, slimy, and extremely slick and fast in the water. But let’s not just talk about any kind of eel, but how about the freshwater eels you may find in many places? Yes, did you know, in fact, there are several types? Here’s a few, listed as follows:

Now let me teach you a thing or two about each of these, starting with the very first one I listed, the one and only Tire Track Eel…..

The Tire Track Eel

This little guy is highly popular (even on social media — Google its name). See the markings on its body? They look like….hmm…..tire tracks.

The Zig Zag Eel

This eel is known for moving around in a zig zag way, just like its name gives away. And did you know this eel can live as long as 18 years? That’s a long time, for an eel.

The Black Spotted Eel

It’s a very easy - going type of eel that also happens to have quite a long life span, as has been reported many times. If you’re thinking long - term, go with this one (perhaps also the same reason it is my favorite of all the freshwater eels in the ocean…just saying).

The Electric Eel

This is the eel the Electric Slide song was named after, some say. Can you get down and boogie?! But in all seriousness, the Electric Eel can even get up to 5 feet in length (that is quite long). It also lives up to 15 years.

The Peacock Eel

I like this choice of eel because it resembles the plumage of any peacock, and you can see that through the markings on its skin. An eel looking like a peacock? Go figure.

The Half - Banded Spiny Eel

This swell heck of an eel is very considerate of space, which can be good, in the event that you are wanting to save space (when getting that new aqua tank). It will be considerate, as well as a good neighbor overall. It’s a nocturnal eel.

The Pink Paddletail Eel

This one, now, is a bit exotic and known as an eel that’s a lot harder to find. But if you get to own one (or even see one, in any habitat), then you can indeed consider yourself to be a very lucky guy or gal, respectively.

The African Spiny Eel

This eel is great and hide - and - go - seek, especially when there’s a generous amount of foliage lying around. This eel likes to hide and keep to itself. As such, experts have noted it prefers darker waters (or tanks).

That’s some eel talk for ya, folks! Thanks for reading. Check out this site for new blogs posted regularly. And be sure to share!