Rice fields are the natural habitat of the eel (Monopterus albus). Eels can be kept alive outside their natural habitat by moving them to a combination of mud, straw, and compost. Keeping them in an aquarium is another method. Because of the more controlled growth of eels.

There are several factors that must be considered to successfully rear eels in an aquarium. The water must have a pH of 7-8, 4-6 mg/l dissolved oxygen and 0-0.5 mg/l ammonia. The water should be kept at a comfortable 28 to 30 degrees Celsius day and night. Stress in the eel is caused by abrupt temperature changes and the appearance of red spots on the body. The eel will die quickly in this situation.

To maintain the desired temperature, the aquarium needs a heater. Rice fields provide a warm environment with plenty of decomposed organic matter. The media will become warm as the temperature rises due to decomposition. The aquarium water should be completely changed every two weeks.

Eels must fast for at least 10 to 12 days before being placed in an aquarium. This is to help the eel adapt to its new environment and diet. The diet consists of earthworms or small fish. In some farmer studies, a size of 10 eel/kg has been achieved from a size of 30 eel/kg during 5 to 6 months of rearing with clean water in tanks.