freshwater snowflake eels

Question
are the freshwater snowflake eels poisonous if they bite or nip another fish that is too big to fit in their mouth? Our eel is at least 12-14" long and is in a 265 tank with very large fish. Our tinfoil barb started acting really weird and then acted like he was shot from a cannon and then went completely upside down, sank to the bottom of the tank and then slowly tried to swim, but is not doing well. So that is why we are wondering if the eel bit him, whether it could be poisonous.  Thank you for you time in addressing our question    Arla

Answer
Hello,

As far as I know, snowflake eels are not poisonous. The symptoms your tinfoil barb are showing could be caused by a water quality problem. You should check your nitrites and ammonia. It may also be caused by a disease. Watch him carefully for any signs of parasite or fungal infections. If any occur, treat him immediately. I recommend Maracide for parasite and Pimafix for fungus. Based on your described symptoms, I do not believe it is a bacterial problem but if it turned out to be one I recommend Melafix.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Stephanie