What eel is this!
 

I've been having some confusion identifying freshwater eels in the aquarium trade, and it seems like all the pet shops in my area (and the internet too) are having the same problem. I bought an eel labeled as a lesser spiny eel, but my friend bought a lesser spiny eel from another pet shop and they look completely different. I know there are so many different kinds of eels out there to buy, some being fire eels, peacock eels, zig-zag eels, tire track eels, and black spotted eels, and it just seems like everyone around has the names completely mixed up.
So I was wondering if someone (anyone!) could please list and identify many, if not all, the eels available in the aquarium trade to ultimately put an end to this confusion I've been having? Please!

But most importantly, I've attached a picture of my eel to this post. Can someone please correctly identify it???

Hi Cornelius,

Looks like a Striped Peacock Eel.


Actually..looks like a hybrid..between a spiny and a striped..lol now I know your predicament. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut..I'm not an eel expert..I wonder though if they are known to cross breed. It's got the distinctive spots of a striped but the bands of a spiny.

Those were my thoughts exactly! I looks part like one kind of eel and part like another, so I can't determine what it is! Thanks for the help though, at least I'm not the only one who thinks it looks mixed. haha

what ever it is it's cute.new addition to your tank?

No, I've had my eel for quite a while now, I just can't figure out what kind it really is! I love it though, it really brings excitement to the tank. =D

Well I guess all that really matters is you have the knowledge of how to take care of it and it is healthy right..

Maybe you should just class it as an SSPE- Spiney Striped Peacock Eel..:)

Haha yea I guess I could classify it as that haha. But the thing is that I wanted to get one just like it sometime in the future here, but I don't know what kind of eel to be looking for! =/

after the new black glass tank is done i'll be looking for something to be housed with my aro. saw a lung fish for sale.wonder whats it like to own one.

Well maybe you will come across one that looks the same..just keep your eyes out for those 2 types. They might be more common than you think.

Omg lungfish are amazing. What area do you live in that they sell lungfish???


Yea, I'm going to go back to the little pet shop where I bought mine at and ask them to order some of the same ones for me. Hopefully they can still get the same eels!