Banded Snake Eel
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Bears some similarity to a venomous sea snake, but this is a shy, harmless fish. Scott W. Michael
Overview
This boldly striped fish bears some resemblance to the venomous Banded Sea Snake (Laticauda colubrina), but is mild-mannered and harmless. It is a very finicky eater and difficult to keep in captivity. Unlike many eels, it often comes out of hiding to forage for food during daylight hours.
Family: Ophichthidae
Other common name(s):
- Harlequin Snake Eel
Native range:
Habitat: Near-reef sandy areas, lagoons, seagrass beds. Must have at least a 5 cm (2 in) bed of fine sand in the aquarium, as it offen buries itself for security.
Maximum length: 88 cm (35 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 681 L (180 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
Feeding
Difficult to feed. Offer live grass shrimp or small benthic fishes to initiate a feeding response. May accept pieces of fresh shrimp, scallop, or marine fish flesh impaled on a feeding stick. Feed to satiation, 2 times a week.
Aquarium Compatibility
May eat ornamental crustaceans and small fishes; may topple corals not securely attached to rockwork. Use care when choosing tankmates, as many fishes are inclined to nip at it. Juvenile tobies (Canthigaster spp.) have been seen biting this eel’s tail, irritating it and forcing it to try to escape.
Breeding/Propagation
Not reported.