Snowflake Eel

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by TBarnes8908, Jan 30, 2012.

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  1. TBarnes8908

    TBarnes8908 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2011
    Messages:
    37
    Location:
    West Lafayette, IN
    Hey guys. I bought a snowflake eel about 2 months ago and he was about 10 inches or so. So far he has been doing great and exceeding my expectations. He has definitely become one of my favorite fish and very fun to watch eat and has even grown an inch or more since I got him.

    Anyways, I had a question about feeding him. I have been hand feeding him about 2 pieces of frozen krill every other day. He eats both pieces right away and seems to want more in some cases. Is it possible to overfeed him or should I stick with my regimen I am currently using?

    Another thing I have read is that they can eat your smaller fish if not well fed. I had a small blue damsel that I didn't have too much attachment to, but since a few days ago I have not seen him at all. I searched everywhere and my only thought is that maybe the eel could have snatched him up. Do you guys think this is possible? The damsel was probably 2 inches long or so.

    Any help or advice on these guys would be awesome!
     
    TBarnes8908, Jan 30, 2012
    TBarnes8908, Jan 30, 2012
    #1

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  2. tattoolew

    tattoolew Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2011
    Messages:
    503
    Location:
    Bluefield, VA
    Eel got him, feed him more if he eats right away. I would just add one piece of a different food on off days.
     
    tattoolew, Jan 30, 2012
    tattoolew, Jan 30, 2012
    #2
  3. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    It is definitely possible to overfeed an Eel. IME predators are always hungry. Two krill a day seem like plenty to me but you will definitely want to add some variety to its diet. Try getting him/her some siversides or even some fresh fish(uncooked of course) from your local grocery store. They also like shrimp. Good luck.;)
     
    Vinnyboombatz, Jan 30, 2012
    Vinnyboombatz, Jan 30, 2012
    #3
  4. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2011
    Messages:
    1,346
    i have had several snowflakes, i never found that he would eat more than he could handle, when he was full he simply refused food. keep him full all of the time! they will eat your fish if they are not! i had a hungery snowflake kill off one of my hummu triggers and half of a yellow tang, yes i meant to say half of him lol.

    i would not suggest hand feeding him, i have found that if you attach the food to a piece of string it will liven him up and its much more natural to feed him this way, and occasionally you may want to put in a few small feeder chromises just for a snack. and healthy, dont feed feeder goldfish though they are very bad for saltwater fish.
     
    chelseagrin, Jan 30, 2012
    chelseagrin, Jan 30, 2012
    #4