Freshwater Loaches & Eels Care Guide

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

2 - 45 inches depending on species (Eels get much larger than Loaches in general) 

WATER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 

72-78 F

TANK REQUIREMENTS 

10-150 gallons depending on species

SWIM LEVEL

Bottom level

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Freshwater Eels and Loaches are both bottom dwelling fish. Most eels tend to be territorial in nature, so it is not recommended to keep them with small peaceful species or groups of their own kind. Loaches are generally passively tempered and can be kept with other passive species of the same size.

FEEDING

Offer your Freshwater Eel or Loach sinking shrimp pellets, appropriately sized tropical fish pellets, or frozen or freeze-dried insect larvae, or brine shrimp daily. Most aquariums should be offered food twice a day in a quantity that can be completely consumed by its inhabitants within 1-2 minutes. Left over foods should be removed from the aquarium to avoid rotting. Stock level and types of species may require adjustments to these feeding recommendations.  

SUPPLEMENTS

While supplements are not usually needed for Freshwater Eels and Loaches if they are fed a varied diet, a lot of research has been done to suggest giving Vitamin C to a fish helps in disease prevention and healing.

ENVIRONMENT

Loaches and Eels require very secure hiding spots that they can fit into entirely. Aquarium décor caves, branches, natural stones and aquatic plants are all excellent choices for building shelter for your fish. Most species need well oxygenated water, so an air stone and supplies are recommended. Fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal for these fish.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING NEW FISH

We recommend water acclamation and 24 hours of quarantine (if possible) for your new Freshwater Fish. To achieve this float the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At this point you can add small amounts of your tank water to the fish bag every 15 minutes or so 3-4 times. At this point, catch your new fish out of the bag and release it into your quarantine aquarium.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Sinking tropical pellet or sinking shrimp pelleted foods 
• Frozen or freeze-dried insect larvae or brine shrimp 
• Air Pump 
• Airline tubing 
• Air stone or bubbler 
• Fine gravel or sand for substrate 
• Aquarium décor caves, aquatic plants, branches or stones to provide hide spots

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.