When we brought it home it was about an inch long, now after 4 months it is 11 inches long. It is a silver color with very sharp teeth and has ate almost all of my other fish. The pet store said it was a Dragon Fish, but I looked them up and they are nothing like whats in my tank. It has very tiny 'pin-point' eyes. Looks somewhat like an eel, but has the mouth shape of a catfish. Please help identify this creature.
2007-02-12 02:22:55 · 12 answers · asked by JULIE D 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
that sounds like a Violet Goby
click the link below, is that the guy? there's care guidelines there too.
2007-02-12 02:27:02 · answer #1 · answered by catx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm. Sound from the description like it might be a dragon fish, but these usually aren't that aggressive. Only thing you should have to watch with them are fry and neon-tetra-sized fish. The first answerer gave a website with a good photo (violet goby and dragon goby are the same fish!).
The only other species that come to mind given the aggressiveness and description are bichirs (Polypterous species). Here's a website with photos of several species that are available in the pet trade, although the Cuvier's is probably the most common to find: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=2241. If not these, maybe a true eel?: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=836
The caecilian is a possibility, but I haven't seen these for sale for quite some time.
If none of these has hit yet, could you post a picture of yours? It could help with the ID.
2007-02-12 05:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had snowflakes now for more than 20 years. They are wonderful as pets. First of all, remember as is with people, fish or animals have their own personalities and are no different. Do not believe they will only eat crabs and shrimp that is not true. Two of mine have never eaten any of the shrimp or crabs that are in their tank, while the other (In a 30 gallon) will eat them in a flash. They are eels and still have the capability of eating any fish they can get into their mouths. As is with most eels, they find their food more by smell than by eyesite. Most of mine eat calamari (octopi and squid) even pellets (keeping them on pellets is a sure way to have them eat fish) They also have eaten fish from the tank! and have tormented my puffers trying to eat them as well and then pushing the floating balls all over the tank. (Not often, but enough) They are not all night animals like most will suggest. An eel especially a snowflake in a tank will soon become accustom to YOUR activities and dinnertime. Yes they will find a place to "hide" but they do not remain inside rocks or caves, they will sit there and look out waiting for something to swim by. They are also very active and will swim around the tank every now and then. (You need a closed lid with very few holes large enough for them to escape. (They think these holes are cave holes and are really not trying to escape) Mine can all be hand fed. I've had them since they were smaller than a pencil. This is a great size to get them at since they are very, i guess a good word is trainable. When you get your snowflake at this size, any fish will work since they do get used to your other fish and usually won't bother them even as the eel grows. the key is to keep them well fed. They are easy to care for and hearty adapting to rapid changes in your tank temperature, salinity and ammonia. (Great for beginners) If you are going to keep clowns, I would highly recomend also adding a carpet or Pink tip Haitian annemone, for their own protection. Snowflakes grow rather quickly and live over 8 years. They are a beautiful addition to any salt tank. If you have any other questions on snowflakes, feel free to email me.
2016-03-29 03:25:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a tip. If the guy in the pet store can't provide you with the LATIN or taxonomic name of the animal then DON'T buy it! You will be dealing with someone who only wants to sell fish and doesn't care what it is. If you know the taxonomic name you can very easily look up the animal on the web. Then do a little research and if the adult animal suits your tank,THEN buy it.
2007-02-12 02:41:04 · answer #4 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me it sounds like a dragon fish but the pics you were looking at probably weren't the same breed so try going to yahoo imagery and typing in dragon fish pics it will show all the different types.
I hope I was of some help!
2007-02-12 02:41:42 · answer #5 · answered by tiffahilley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a Tire track eel! They can get large and will eat smaller fish. You may see small sharp spines on it's back...if you do it could be just that!
2007-02-12 13:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by kaschpint 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you may have a rubber eel or caecilian.try googling that for a photo. they are not actually fish but a south american amphibian
not too common it the pet trade but some still do come in. hope this is it
2007-02-12 03:21:03 · answer #7 · answered by john e 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now that is a very unusual sounding creature. If at all possible can you send a picture of it? post one here or email and I'll do all I can to help you identify the animal.
Sorry I can't be of more help based on the description
magicman116@yahoo.com
2007-02-12 02:28:15 · answer #8 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have a dinosaur eel, they eat smaller fish and are very aggressive.
2007-02-12 05:29:30 · answer #9 · answered by purdy'smom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the pet store doesn't know what they're selling. Maybe you should call them and tell them what's goiung on and they can help you find out what they really sold you....Bummer that he ate all your other fish...
2007-02-12 02:27:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋