 |
Fish Guide |  |
Family: Muraenidae (Moray Eels)
Natural Range: Indian and Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 185 ft. Size: 3.5 ft. in. Jumps: Yes Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Small fish
Natural History: The Blue Ribbon Eel is found on coastal reef slopes and lagoons, commonly among sand and mud habitats. It is usually encountered with its head sticking out from a hole. This eel produces large amounts of slime which helps to maintain the integrity of its burrow walls and lubricates the fish while burrowing. It does not generally leave its burrow, and feeds on fish that are caught passing too close by.
Husbandry: The Blue Ribbon Eel may be difficult to acclimate to the home aquarium. It needs 3 to 5 inches of sand, live rock, and hiding places to settle down. A length of PVC pipe may be used to provide a burrow. It should be capped on one end and have an elbow on the other, and be at least 2X the eel body diameter. Mollies may be needed to entice them to eat, and if other large predators are present in the tank the mollies may be eaten before the eel has a chance to feed. They are generally not seen exposed in the aquarium but instead reside in a hole or hiding place with only their head exposed. They are very adept at finding escape holes in the tank and leaving the aquarium!
AKA: Ribbon Eel, Black Ribbon Eel, Yellow Ribbon Eel