Questions about cave eel in Manatee Springs

[adam0321]

JB is pretty much the only cave I dive due to logistical constrains. Any way, I have always seen fish in the front of JB. Maybe the rare stray cat fish down the chimney. Well I was lucky enough to get into JB for the first time in almost 4 years this week. For the first few dives I stayed in the cavern and did not venture down the chimney. Once I felt confident I did a couple of lights out and line drills and decided I was feeling confident enough to go to the first break down. It just felt great getting back in the caves. The first thing I noticed that was different was the huge amount of minnows that all but covered the bottom of the cave. Then suddenly I saw this big black figure out of the corner of my eye. At first I thought it was another diver of maybe a scooter that someone staged. Then I realized what it was. It was a huge eel. Now for those who know me, I hate snakes and as far ass I am concerned an eel is 1-2 anatomy features from being a snake. (I know they are actually the same phylum and different classes all together). I know everything looks bigger underwater, but this thing was as thick as my calf and had to be close to 4' long. I guess I am lucky to see one but it scared the S**t out of me. I am sure they are harmless but I would prefer to just continue seeing the wet rocks. Talked to Edd after the dive, he said they are becoming more common.

[FW]

JB is pretty much the only cave I dive due to logistical constrains. Any way, I have always seen fish in the front of JB. Maybe the rare stray cat fish down the chimney. Well I was lucky enough to get into JB for the first time in almost 4 years this week. For the first few dives I stayed in the cavern and did not venture down the chimney. Once I felt confident I did a couple of lights out and line drills and decided I was feeling confident enough to go to the first break down. It just felt great getting back in the caves. The first thing I noticed that was different was the huge amount of minnows that all but covered the bottom of the cave. Then suddenly I saw this big black figure out of the corner of my eye. At first I thought it was another diver of maybe a scooter that someone staged. Then I realized what it was. It was a huge eel. Now for those who know me, I hate snakes and as far ass I am concerned an eel is 1-2 anatomy features from being a snake. (I know they are actually the same phylum and different classes all together). I know everything looks bigger underwater, but this thing was as thick as my calf and had to be close to 4' long. I guess I am lucky to see one but it scared the S**t out of me. I am sure they are harmless but I would prefer to just continue seeing the wet rocks. Talked to Edd after the dive, he said they are becoming more common.

They were very common 30 years ago. Twin cave was full of them. It appears they are making a comeback. FWIW, fresh water eels aren't like ocean eels, and don't tend to bite. I wouldn't suggest trying to grab one, but they swim away from divers. The only annoying thing about them is they tend to "hide" by stirring up the silt

[adam0321]

see that's bad because then I will be unable to see them.

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[FW]

see that's bad because then I will be unable to see them.

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You should stay away from silt anyway

[adam0321]

ha ha I know. But silt won't chase me

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[FW]

ha ha I know. But silt won't chase me

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You are starting to sound like Indiana Jones

[adam0321]

I know it's completely irrational. I have been hiking and seen bears no big deal, gators while kayaking, don't care. Even my German shepherd can do way more damage to me than any Eel. It's just the hole snake thing. don't like them never have. There used to be a water snake that hung out at JB that I used to hate getting geared up around.

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