Choosing an Aquatic Caecilian
Caecilian The aquatic caecilian is a unique and often misunderstood creature that’s frequently mistaken for an eel. Unlike eels, caecilians are amphibians that breathe air, surfacing periodically to take in a breath. They belong to the Gymnophiona family and are distinct from frogs and salamanders. While there are several caecilian species, only one or two fully aquatic types, such as Typhlonectes natans, are commonly found in the pet trade. Due to its name’s pronunciation, Typhlonectes natans is sometimes mistakenly called the “Sicilian eel” by those who haven’t seen the name written out.
Origin and Life Span
In their natural habitat, aquatic caecilians live in mud-bottomed areas of calm, slow-moving waters, like oxbows, which may dry out during the dry season. When this occurs, they burrow into the moisture-retaining mud to wait for the next rainy season when the surface water returns.
In captivity, aquatic caecilians have been reported to live just over 4 years, though it’s likely that they can live at least twice that long with proper care.
Appearance
A second common name for aquatic caecilians, “rubber eels,” gives a good indication of their appearance. These amphibians resemble a rubbery, elongated eel. They are more easily recognized by their lack of typical features than by what they possess. Aquatic caecilians are cylindrical, mud-colored creatures without appendages, and their eyes are covered by translucent skin.
These legless amphibians have a mud-gray coloration on top and a lighter shade underneath. They don’t have fins or tails, and their eyes are reduced to tiny light-sensitive spots on either side of their head. Vertical grooves, or costal grooves, run along their body, becoming especially noticeable along the inner curves.
Housing
While caecilians might not be brightly colored or particularly outgoing, they are fascinating creatures. During the day, a tank with four or five caecilians might appear empty, but these animals become quite active at night. You can comfortably house one to five caecilians in a 10-gallon tank.
You can choose between a planted or non-planted aquarium for these amphibians. If you opt for a planted setup, ensure you provide adequate lighting for the plants and anchor them well, as caecilians’ burrowing can uproot them. Providing dark hiding spots, like sectioned PVC pipes partially buried in the substrate, can also reduce burrowing behavior.
The pH of the water isn’t crucial as long as it’s not too acidic or alkaline. Gentle filtration is recommended, but you’ll still need to change the water occasionally. The ideal water temperature for caecilians is around room temperature, between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feeding
Caecilians are known to feed exclusively on animal matter, including aquatic insects, worms, and other invertebrates. In captivity, they may also eat high-quality pelleted sinking fish food. These amphibians typically eat well, especially after dark, using their scent and possibly touch to locate prey. However, uneaten food can quickly spoil and affect the water quality, so it’s important to feed your caecilians carefully and remove any leftovers promptly.
