Ribbon Eel
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Ribbon eels, black juvenile at left, blue male at right. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Undeniably appealing, Ribbon Eels are notoriously challenging to feed. Small, live fish (e.g. mollies, guppies) are necessary to entice this eel to feed, if it will eat at all. Add a dozen live feeder fish of the appropriate size to be sure the eel has ample opportunity to start eating.
Family: Muraenidae
Other common name(s):
- Ribbon Moray
- Black Ribbon Eel
- Blue Ribbon Eel
Native range:
Habitat: Sandy bottom and rubble zones near reefs and in lagoons. The Ribbon Eel needs to be able to bury itself to feel secure.
Maximum length: 130 cm (51 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Live grass shrimp may help elicit a feeding response if they are available. Some specimens can be trained to take meaty foods from a feeding stick or off the bottom near their hiding places.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Needs non-aggressive tankmates and little or no competition for food.
[edit] Special Care
It may help to house Ribbon Eels in a smaller tank, where the concentration of live food prey items can be kept high.
[edit] Notes
Color variations are tied to age and sex:
- juveniles are black,
- males are blue,
- females are yellow.
| Common name | Ribbon Eel +, Ribbon Moray +, Black Ribbon Eel +, and Blue Ribbon Eel + |
| Family | Muraenidae + |
| Genus | Rhinomuraena + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 51 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 30 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-West-Pacific + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | quaesita + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |