Chainlink Eel vs Snowflake Eel

[unitedbga]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 60 gallon tank with 45 pounds live rock, and a 12 gallon sump I made. I would like to have either a Chainlink Eel or Snowflake Eel. I'm wondering which would be best in my tank for the long term. Currently the tank is 3 months old with a tomato clown used to cycle the tank. Future additions would include dwarf angels or other fish in the 4 inch range. Which Eel would you recommend and why?

Thank you for your help in advance.

[Newriverbilly]

I would go with a snowflake eel

[G4546]

Originally Posted by unitedbga

Currently the tank is 3 months old with a tomato clown used to cycle the tank.

There are much better ways to cycle without using livestock.

To answer your question though, snowflake. I enjoy the snowflake eel's markings more than the chainlink

[patrick961]

I have both in my 90 gallon they are both equal in personality and stay away from my fish.I would go for the snowflake for the looks.

[SDguy]

Check out Echidna polyzona... stay a bit smaller, and are reportedly a bit less aggressive/likely to eat fish.

[rssjsb]

I agree with Peter. Snowflakes sometimes turn fish-eater when they reach sexual maturity. I had one in a 120 gallon with a puffer and a rabbit fish. I never saw it act in a menacing way, but the other fish were scared of it and used to hide when it came out to eat. Other people here have reported having to get rid of them because of aggression once they hit the 24" mark.

Not to be a downer, but any 30" eel is probably going to get too big for your tank anyway. They are really messy eaters and will prove a challenge to your water quality in a 60 gallon.