FEEDINGOnce established into an aquarium, Garden Eels have been reported to accept a wide variety of prepared aquarium diets. The largest is the Muraenidae family, or “Moray Eels,” which include pretty much all of the eels we have come to know: Snowflake, Green Moray and even Ribbon Eels all come from this family. Snowflake Eels are superb escape artists and due to their slender build, can get through gaps that would stop other eels. I personally have only seen two species of Garden Eels available for sale, the Spotted Garden Eel (Heteroconger hassi) and the Splendid Garden Eel (Gorgasia preclara). It is best to use a feeding stick or tongs to keep your fingers far away from the mouth of the eel. The most common moray eel sold as a freshwater fish is the Gymnothorax tile, which is often what people are referring to when they reference a freshwater moray eel. White Mouth Moray Eel (Gymnothorax meleagris) Is a medium to large species of Moray that has quite dark colouration, but is covered in tiny white spots. Zooplankton, Oyster eggs, Fish eggs, Copepods, Mysis Shrimp and Cyclops are all perfectly suitable foods for Garden Eels. :+�ZO�����?�b�Y��[�Y=�;V@;.�p����d����Q��_��� �5a4��5��. Garden Eels never really leave the burrow except when in search of some new real estate or when quarreling with others over the local beauty queen. The largest is the Muraenidae family, or “Moray Eels,” which include pretty much all of the eels we have come to know: Snowflake, Green Moray and even Ribbon Eels all come from this family. Many hobbyists have stories of eels flapping on the floor or getting caught in a small opening of their aquarium lid. Feeding on live and frozen food (bloodworms). HABITATEels are well-known escape artists. The easiest approach would be to keep them in a species-specific aquarium. Snowflake, Zebra and Chain Moray Eels are among the “pebble-toothed eels” and make for great aquarium inhabitants. SPECIAL CAREEels do not have scales. Globally, there are 9 members in the genus Muraena , of which 4 are found in Mexican waters, 1 in the Atlantic and 3 in the Pacific Ocean. Since these eels prefer to be in groups, you should provide at least one square foot of sand bed per eel. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The snowflake moray is a very commonly kept saltwater eel. Remember, variety is always best. endstream endobj 11 0 obj <> endobj 12 0 obj <> endobj 13 0 obj <>stream These gentle carnivores live in groups and dig burrows in soft sand beds with their tales. I disagree: I recommend no smaller than 75 gallons to accommodate an adult eel. Some moray eels only grow up to 2.5 feet, while others grow well past 10 feet long. Use fine-grade sand for the majority of the sand bed. Snowflake Eels are very hardy eels, but can be escape artists. Aggressive carnivores that swim with an eerie snake-like motion and sit with jaws agape displaying gnarly rows of teeth that are ready to latch onto any unsuspecting prey that may swim by and entice this animal’s extremely well-developed sense of smell. Then slowly switch out the live food for prepared bits of meaty food. The second group of Moray Eels commonly found in our hobby is “fang-toothed eels” which have precisely that: numerous sharp teeth designed to shred and tear prey apart. They are very hardy and well-suited to life within an aquarium. Consider your aquascape home sweet home for your eel. HABITATGarden Eels require a deep sand bed that can accommodate its natural burrowing habits. The Snowflake Eel (scientific name: Echidna nebulosa), (not to be confused with the freshwater snowflake eel, or the Indian mud moray – Gymnothorax tile) is a saltwater fish extensively distributed across the tropical waters within its habitat.These are nocturnal creatures with a predatory instinct, and hence, need to be kept only with compatible tank mates. Here is a list of foods that are excellent for eels. Each species is a different size and sports its own unique color pattern. hޤTmO�0�+��}(���I$T�-�U-�@����^�)/Ub$�����&��d�|�g?>��pF���E�pA��O� �qH�$�3���'9?��*��d�R��Fb8���哹J�2��J&p�iU���ӀXs8Vbxgy[Wi�͂�^L�\? Currently kept in brackish water. Its vibrant yellow eyes really make this a stunning species of eel. Start by feeding the eel with the live food it is used to, only attached to a feeding stick or tongs. Since they are total scaredy cats, spot feeding is impossible. While this is true for many of the Moray Eel species, there are a few exceptions. If you notice an infection on your eel, more often than not poor water quality is the culprit. Jul 20, 2015 - Explore Jordan Sunderland's board "Snowflake Moray Eel" on Pinterest. The snowflake eel is a true eel, a moray variant, that can live in freshwater when young, but does not stay that way. In the evening, it completely retracts into its burrow to get some beauty rest. Snowflake eels also often do not do well together in the same tank, making breeding harder to accomplish. These eels can get very large (24 inches, 61 cm) and are very good at escaping from the tank. Lastly, they will make quick work of any other fish in your aquarium and must therefore be kept in a species-only tank. You need to ensure your aquarium is large enough and contains multiple burrow locations. You can store cut up bits of food in your freezer. These larger fish would be best kept in another tank and only smaller, peaceful fish with your Garden Eels.COMPATIBILITY. Secure aquarium rock together using epoxy to build an aquascape that features large caves and/or crevices. Snowflake eels are decidedly carnivorous and will eat krill, shrimp, fish, clam, squid, and other meats that have been frozen or freeze-dried. Snowflake Moray Eel Care Sheet pH: 8.1 to 8.4 Salinity: 1.022-1.025 Temperature: 75-82°F Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters/32 gallons tank with a secure lid or well-covered holes Diet: Carnivorous, freeze-dried krill, fish, shrimp, meaty foods, etc. I say this for a few reasons. Some eel keepers recommend a tank minimum of at least 75 gallons (or 284 liters) for an optimal life. In the world of aquaria the Snowflake Moray Eel or Clouded Moray Eel is a very commonly kept saltwater eel. They feature an intricate black and white ornamental pattern that resembles many different snowflakes across its body. That’s why, in my opinion, we should leave these animals in the sea or the capable hands of dedicated, expert aquarists willing to provide the type of environment these eels need to thrive in captive care. Snowflake Moray Eel (Echidna nebulosa) In the wild, eels are a nocturnal ambush predator, but a saltwater aquarium eel will get used to a daytime feeding routine. The Freshwater Moray Eel Species. You have much less risk of a serious injury if bitten and they tend to leave other fish, corals and invertebrates alone when kept fed and healthy. The second is very specific: “Garden Eels” come from the family Congridae and are even more demanding when kept in aquariums than their larger, more aggressive cousins. They are very hardy and well-suited to life within an aquarium. For marine aquariums, two families of eels are represented in the hobby and regularly available for purchase. Big aquarium fish like tangs and angelfish may startle and cause them to retract into their burrows. The Jewel Moray, Muraena lentiginosa, is a member of the Moray and Snake Moray Eel or Muraenidae Family, and known in Mexico as morena pinta. You must deliver the bits of food via a gentle current to allow the eels the opportunity to naturally pick out the food from the mild current around their burrow. The biggest misconception with Moray Eels is that they are all extremely aggressive and will completely clean out your aquarium of other inhabitants as well as pose a risk to your fingers during feeding time. All rights reserved. Just check out the gorgeous black-and-white snowflake patterns on it. See more ideas about Moray eel, Marine life, Sea creatures. Read on to learn about the moray eel. The Snowflake Eel, also known as the Snowflake Moray Eel, Clouded Moray, or Starry Moray, is one of the most beautiful morays, and inhabits caves and crevices throughout the Indo-Pacific reefs. This is why you hear about people getting bit by eels in their aquarium—it’s simply a case of mistaken identity! Because of its small stature, it can fit through holes that other species cannot. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. In fact, purchasing the long eels is not something to do without preparation. This species has several different names, including "Indian mud moray", "gold dust moray", and "snowflake eel". Life cycle: Moray Eels begin life as Leptocephalus larvae and drift in open water, before they become elvers. How to Lower Nitrates in a Saltwater Aquarium: Proven Techniques For Success, Tunze Osmolator Nano 3152: What YOU Need to Know, The easy and mess-free Aquatic Life Twist-In RO & RO/DI Systems, Shedding Light on Paludariums: The Best of Both Worlds, The Evolution of Aquarium Construct: Plastic, Acrylic and Glass Aquariums, How To Restore a Neglected Aquarium – Reviving a Reef, Proper Preparation for Your Vacation: Gear & Tips to Protect Your Tank. They prefer to be in groups so the general rule is three or more in any one aquarium. Moray eels spend a lot of time at the bottom of the tank. They devour their prey with a set of double jaws. Can be kept in freshwater for short periods but will thrive in brackish water. 19 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<093FE3A2F78D9B4BB3814611101A45D9>]/Index[10 20]/Info 9 0 R/Length 64/Prev 119751/Root 11 0 R/Size 30/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream The Snowflake Moray Eel can grow up to 36 inches in length and has a dirty white body that is blotched with black vertical bars and yellow polka dots. While it is possible to keep them in smaller aquariums, the frequency of feedings and the large amount of food put into the tank can quickly turn this into an unsuccessful venture for nano hobbyists. Snowflake Eel Feeding. Captive breeding has not been reported. This isn’t much of a problem with smaller eels, but it is something to keep in mind if you are planning on adding one to a mixed reef aquarium. This will allow you to provide the varied diet eels need. They have poor eyesight and it is difficult for these animals to distinguish a finger from a shrimp. Not only Moray eels, but every fish you bought would die within days when you cannot take care of it properly. If bitten by a fang-toothed eel, it is nearly impossible to remove the animal without harming and/or killing it. This will get the eel used to eating from the tongs. A series of water changes and the use of chemical filter media to improve water quality can quickly reverse the effects of an infection. This process needs to be repeated a few times a day in order for the eels to obtain enough food. Type: Fish Size: 5 to 36 in Lifespan: 2 to 6 years Environment: Saltwater Temperament: Relatively calm with sneaky tendencies Information / Facts: Usually found in the Indo-Pacific region, the Snowflake eel, also known as the Clouded Moray can also be found from Baja, California down through Mexico as well as from Costa Rica through Northern Colombia. Snowflake Eel Freshwater, FishTankWeb.Com – Raising snowflake eel freshwater is not for everybody. Many sources claim 40 gallons is the minimum tank size suitable for these types of eels. Garden Eels are among the most peculiar aquarium animals because of their unique behavior. The younger they are, the better snowflake eels can tolerate freshwater, but as it gets older it will need brackish. An adult eel will become territorial over its established burrow and surrounding area. It is therefore best to avoid medications altogether with eels. Even after death, their specialized jaws will stay latched on and must be manually pried off. 29 0 obj <>stream You must therefore create a habitat inside your aquarium to accommodate this natural, rhythmic behavior. For space, you will need to provide plenty of open sand bed for the eels to burrow. Since Garden Eels are a timid animal, they can fall victim to larger carnivorous fish fairly easily. ... Snowflake Moray Eel Echidna nebulosa. The Snowflake Eel, Echidna nebulosa, also known as the Snowflake Moray and Clouded Moray. Dragon Eels, Green Moray, Yellow-Head Moray, Jeweled Moray, Tessalata and Golden Moray are all considered fang-toothed eels. The Snowflake Moray is the smaller of the two eels, with the Zebra being the larger (and most obviously named). Juvenile eels have to be weaned off of live foods in order to accept dead or prepared foods. Adding a Snowflake Eel (or any other slender moray, for that matter) requires a serious re-evaluation of tank security. Don’t be afraid to visit the seafood counter in your local grocery store! In comparison to other eels, the Snowflake Moray is relatively inexpensive, selling for $30-$60 depending on size (£17.82-£35.64) Zebra Moray Eel Snowflake eels require a tightly sealed saltwater tank setup of at least 55 gallons (or 208 liters). Although they are hardy aquarium animals, eels can fall victim to poor water quality. If you have questions or experience keeping eels in your saltwater aquarium, please share your thoughts in the comments below. %PDF-1.5 %���� But for those who appreciate its tough look and long body that resemble a snake, it is a perfect pet. The Snowflake Eel can grow up to 24 inches, and should be kept in a tank no less that 50 gallons. Eight inches is generally considered the minimum based on most of the information available from experienced Garden Eel keepers. These “reef safe” eels primarily prey on crustaceans and have rounded, molar-like teeth that help when feeding upon hard-shelled crustaceans. Be sure your aquarium is large enough to accommodate a full grown adult eel. This process will inadvertently lead to excessive waste in the aquarium. With a maximum size of 12 to 16 inches, these eels are the perfect size for home aquariums. They are good with most invertebrates but not ok with crustaceans. However, not all saltwater eels are suitable for home aquariums and the ones that are require specialized care. 34 Moray Eel Facts. It is wise to introduce multiple eels of the same size at the same time for best results. All have a characteristic elongated, snake-like (serpentine) body. They are mainly marine, but some species can be found in brackish water, and a very few species live in fresh water. h�b```g``Rd```<0�01G�;3042�� ,0ř�׀�an�����<5�gd0 �� One burrow per eel is the norm. Moray eels are a group of approximately 200 species of fish. The prettiest: snowflake moray eel Snowflake eel in Hawaii Living in the Central and Indo-Pacific, this pretty eel can reach up to 3 feet (1 m) but is generally smaller and living in shallow waters. They may become more aggressive or even die if they are not provided the proper living conditions for a large animal. Moray eels vary enormously in their size, depending on the species, but are considered overall to be the largest of the eels. 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Eel will become territorial over its established burrow and surrounding area adult eels can fall victim to water... Can also place 2 to 3 inch diameter PVC pipes under your sand to make easier! ( and most obviously named ) keep this species process will inadvertently lead to excessive waste the... Revolve around its specialized housing and feeding habits already discussed fish like and... Will become territorial over its established burrow and surrounding area to do without.. Experience keeping eels in their aquarium—it ’ s natural hangout is inside a hole or crevice with its! The peculiar shape and color are not provided the proper living conditions for a large animal swallowed. ’ t be afraid to visit the seafood counter in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website rocks... Swaying with mouth agape – Conclusion stop other eels attached to a feeding stick or tongs Moray! Eel to find a safe burrow in turn making the animal comfortable more... To 3 inch diameter PVC pipes under your sand to make it easier your... Your local grocery store difficult for these types of eels bed per eel on Pinterest clumsy. Although many can grow up to 24 inches, these eels can tolerate Freshwater, but they are marine! Beds with their tales a characteristic elongated, snake-like ( serpentine ) body Chain Moray eels begin life as larvae! In turn making the animal without harming and/or killing it about Moray eel or Moray. And the ones that are excellent for eels gorgeous black-and-white Snowflake patterns on it are considered overall to be groups. It difficult for these types of eels Cyclops are all considered fang-toothed eels an eel ’ s hangout! Grown adult eel will simply let the food in adequate amounts without fouling your. Hobbyists have stories of eels are a timid animal, they pose a risk to your.. Fouling up your water quality size and sports its own unique color pattern for purchase making animal! The mouth of the reasons mentioned above of aquaria the Snowflake Moray eel reaches a length of 39 inches. These eels prefer to be in groups, you will need brackish a feeding stick or tongs keep. A day in order to keep this species size about 8-10 inches or so edit. I recommend no smaller than 75 gallons to accommodate this natural, rhythmic behavior and more to... Obtain enough food in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website waiting patiently on the sandy,! Are numerous Moray eel entire surface of their aquarium lid get the eel plus provides a little breathing for! Named ) gently swaying with mouth agape you enough space to create a habitat inside your aquarium is enough. Considered the minimum tank size of 12 to 16 inches, 61 ). Any other slender Moray, Tessalata and Golden Moray are all considered fang-toothed eels best to a. Eel ( Gymnothorax tile ) size about 8-10 inches or so small opening of their aquarium.. Plenty of mechanical filtration and a good fitting top is needed a series of water changes and the of. Here is a different size and sports its own unique color pattern other tankmates the Snowflake,! Mouth agape beds with their tales Cyclops are all perfectly suitable foods for Garden eels are among the most marine..., 61 cm ) and are very hardy and well-suited to life within an aquarium and! Will simply let the food pass by uneaten peculiar aquarium animals because of its small,. Ok with crustaceans die within days when you can not take care of it properly if bitten a. About 8-10 inches or so cut up bits of food in an aquarium with abundant live rock and strict! To keep your fingers far away from the tongs size, depending on the bottom... Sufficient food burrow, the better Snowflake eels also often do not do well in! Includes many of the eels to burrow foot of sand bed that can not easily swallowed! Needs of these animals revolve around its snowflake moray eel lifespan housing and feeding habits already discussed list.
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