Shop freshwater eels for sale, including fire eels, tire track eels, peacock eels and other spiny eels, plus eel-shaped oddballs such as ropefish. These snake-like bottom dwellers are curious, long-lived and surprisingly personable, and Live Fish Store lets you buy freshwater eels online with overnight delivery to your door.
Why buy freshwater eels from Live Fish Store
- Healthy specimens: our eels are selected for good body condition and active behavior.
- Overnight shipping: live orders ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air.
- Live arrival guarantee: every eel is covered from our door to yours.
- Free shipping on $80+: qualifying aquatic-life orders ship free within the USA.
Choosing the right freshwater eel for your tank
Most freshwater eels sold in the hobby are spiny eels, which are not true eels but share the same elongated body and burrowing habit. Smaller species such as peacock eels are comfortable in 30 to 40 gallons, while fire eels and tire track eels can grow well over two feet and eventually need 125 gallons or more. Provide soft sand for burrowing, caves or driftwood, and a tight-fitting lid, because every eel is an escape artist.
Eels are carnivores that prefer meaty foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms and chopped shrimp; many learn to take sinking pellets over time. They are peaceful toward fish too large to swallow but will eat small fish and shrimp. Keep the water warm, typically 74 to 82°F, and well filtered.
Shipping and live arrival guarantee
Freshwater eels ship overnight via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air, carefully packed for the trip. If a fish arrives DOA, report it within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement under our live arrival guarantee. Qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free within the USA.
Frequently asked questions
Are freshwater eels hard to keep?
They are moderately easy once settled; the main challenges are coaxing shy new arrivals to eat, securing the lid and planning for adult size.
What tank size do freshwater eels need?
Small spiny eels do well in 30 gallons or more; large species such as fire eels need 125 gallons or larger as adults.
Can freshwater eels live with other fish?
Yes, with medium to large peaceful fish such as larger tetras, rainbowfish, gouramis and plecos. Avoid anything small enough to be eaten.
Popular Freshwater Eels
Freshwater Eels
