Help?

[Dow]

I'm starting a 44 gallon pentagon tank of a few small cichlids. However, the local pet shop I go to has recently gotten a freshwater moray eel and I have fallen in love. Can these two critters coexist?

[Complexity]

I think the best way to start out is to get the true name for the fish. "Freshwater moray eel" is a common name that can be applied to more than one fish (none of which are truly eels). Once you know exactly which fish the store has, you can look it up to determine it's needs and whether those needs are similar to your cichlids. If so, then you should be fine.

Just a few thoughts in general... I would be concerned that the cichlids would be too aggressive for him. "Eels" are shy fish. They will eagerly eat any fish they can get in their mouths. Their dietary needs may be different from your cichlids so check for that. Also, be aware that many eel-like fish are extremely good at escaping tanks so make sure you have a well sealed lid on the tank.

[Complexity]

Check this page for a basic introductory page on eel-like fish: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/Eels/Eel.php

[Airjammer]

I had a freshwater moray eel, for a while in a cichlid tank. However he did not last very long. After he died I did some research and found out that they need brackish water as they get older. I would do more research on the exact species, and it's requirements. Hope this helps!!

[Complexity]

Here's another fish that the store might have. It is called a freshwater moray eel; although, it should not be raised in a freshwater tank. It needs salt. A brackish tank would be best. Given its requirements, I would not put these with most cichlids.

Echidna rhodochilis: http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Oddball,%20Moray%20Eel.htm

[Fire_chair]

Ditto on what they said. Some of the Tang eels might work, but they could also get too large.