FAQs about Morays Eel Behavior Related FAQs:  Moray Eels 1, Moray Eels 2, Moray Identification, Moray Selection, Moray Compatibility, Moray Systems, Moray Feeding, Moray Disease, Moray Reproduction, Zebra Moray Eels, Snowflake Morays, Freshwater Moray Eels, Other Marine Eels, Related Articles: Moray Eels, Zebra Morays, Snowflake Morays, Ribbon Morays, The "Freshwater" Moray Eels, Freshwater Moray Eels by Marco Lichtenberger, Other Marine Eels, Looks threatening, but morays have their mouths open mainly to respire... not to bite you.

Re: titan trigger and green moray eel       5/23/18
Hi
<Hi George,>
another question my green moray will occasionally just spin around. He may be in his pvc pipe and he is halfway out then just starts spinning. Is this normal behavior.<?>
<Muraenids common feeding behavior is to spin while biting their prey so they can tear apart pieces of flesh, pretty much like crocodiles “dead roll", in case your moray eel is not doing this as a feeding response, it may be something else, maybe some sort of parasite bothering it>
I have seen videos in the wild when they occasionally are doing it. Thanks again.
<Welcome, Wilberth>

our eel      12/17/13 Hello, Crew, Don't know if you know a lot about eel behavior, but after a couple of years of enjoying the safety of a "pipe" display in its tank, our young reticulate eel has started to spend more time outside the fabrication, hanging out on the sand (see photos), or swimming almost "frantically" from floor to surface of the tank. Water temp is 81 , pH 8, NO2 is 0, NO3 is 50. Is he in distress? <Apparently yes. Your Nitrate is way too high... I'd keep under 20 ppm... see WWM re means... This metabolite concentration is likely indicative of other issues... Reducing the [NO3] will likely "solve" all. Otherwise; DO know that Muraenids often become "restless" in captive settings; in part as they're trained to anticipate offered foods. DO make sure your aquarium top is secure... Bob Fenner> Brandis Hartsell, Ph.D Dept. Chair and Curator Marine and Earth Sciences Roper Mountain Science Center Greenville, SC

Whea Student; HI sci. fair project help request      8/29/13
Hello,
My name is Jon Ehrenberg and I am a student at West Hawaii Explorations Academy in grade 11. At WHEA we have projects that are student based and are usually used to conduct scientific experiments by the students. I am writing a proposal for a project and I require a mentor for the project, this project is based on comparing the territorial behavior between two species of eels one is a zebra moray, and the other is a white mouth moray.
The duty of the mentor for this project would be to answer some questions on the data taking, feeding schedules, and the best way to take care of the eels. Please respond whenever you have the time. Contact me at (808)366-XXXX begin_of_the_skype_highlighting  (808)366-XXXX FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting or at this email jgkeXXX@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Jon Ehrenberg
<I will gladly assist you in/with this project. I was a H.S. science teacher, and have mentored students and judged many times in local and State science fairs. Additionally I have extensive diving experience, including in Hawaii, and am very familiar w/ these two Puhis/Muraenids. Oh, and for back up; we have Marco Lichtenberger here, a professor at Stuttgart
Univ., and author of a book on marine eels. Bob Fenner, 858 397 XXXX>
Questions for the Eels Project, HI Sci. fair  9/2/13
Hello again,
The last email the I received you told me to look up some questions for the project so here are some questions:
1) How often should we feed the eels?
<Likely once a week; no more than twice>
2) What should we be feeding the eels? Crabs, fish, or Shrimp?
<The Gymnomuraena eats crustaceans, the Gymnothorax is a piscivore... What studying have you done thus far?>
3) How should we separate them at the beginning of the experiment?
<... either separate systems or a divider. See WWM re the latter>
4) How often should we take data?
<... Every time you observe the animals, do routine maintenance>
That should about cover it for right now but if there is anything you think we might need more work on, please don't hesitate to suggest something.
Also here is the link to the Project's Proposal: <
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UDDQIlDgrL-a6qs0ScSOIXqGspTnlSSvfGIvepOeh6s/edit?usp=sharing
>
<You should heed the comments made by your local guide here. BobF>
Re Mentor For Eels Project, H.S., HI    9/6/13
Hello Mr. Fenner,
<Sara>
My name is Sara Figueroa, I am a Senior student from West Hawaii Explorations Academy (W.H.E.A <http://whea.net>) and I am participating with Jon  Ehrenberg with the Eels Project. Jon has discussed with me that you are able to be our mentor for this project which is greatly appreciated.
<Ah yes>
The project will endure
<Mmm, encompass might be a better term>
 two experiments, one is studying the eel's behavior when feeding, and the second experiment is studying the territorial behavior of the eels. We will use a scale ranging from 1 to 5 to rate the levels of responses to food and towards each other and on how they respond to human approach.
<Okay... you'll need to somehow generate an identifiable means of translating this scale, to/for others>
The two eels will be kept in a 184.5 gallon flow through system aquarium and a divider will be used to keep the eels separate in their own territories. We will be feeding the eels frozen shrimp twice a week and cleaning the tanks once a week.
I do not know if you have experience working with eels before
<Oh yes; a good deal. My bio. can be found on WetWebMedia.com>
 but if there is any advice you can give for this project or changes you think we might need to do, please contact me at: (808) 443-8XXX begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (808) 443-8XXX FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting or at XXX@gmail.com
<I'll have to see more to be able to comment>
Thank you for your time, it is much appreciated that you are willing to help my team members and I with this project. Hope to hear from you soon.
<Am glad to help with your project. Bob Fenner>
Sincerely,
Sara. 

Honeycomb Moray eel going crazy    6/13/12
Hi guys,
<Hello.>
I have a 4ft Honeycomb Moray in a 420 litre tank. I have had him in for nearly 1 year now, on his own in this tank and have never had any water quality issues.
<So what are the nitrate and ammonia readings actually... 420 litres is quite small for such a large fish...>
Initially the eel was very friendly (comfortably coming out for food and just to swim around the tank in general) this has changed recently.
We all know that Morays like to shift their rock around during the night,
<None of mine does that.>
however, on 3 occasions now in the last 4 weeks he/she has started to go absolutely crazy during the night.
On these occasions the Eel will thrash around in the tank, swimming end to end at speed crashing into the tank edges and generally going crazy between the rocks, stirring up the tank to the point water splashes out onto the floor. I must say that when this occurs it is quite worrying as it is that violent I am scared he will break the tank! After about 15-20 seconds he will kind of chill out and calm down and go back to hiding in his pipes.
On the days following one of these outbursts he will not come out from his pipes and generally looks quite frightened. I must add, his appetite has not changed and continues to eat.
I would like to know if a normal behavior
<No.>
and if not what has bought it on?
<Don't know for sure... could be related to problems with the nervous system... linked to poor water quality or lack of vitamins... an alternate explanation: sometimes eels suffering from constipation go crazy until the problem is solved.>
and can I fix it?
<Check water quality and food (see WWM re), if constipation is an option try Epsom salt (see WWM re).>
It's almost that when he gets going and causing such a torrent inside the tank he is frightening himself into swimming faster and going more crazy?
Please help and I appreciate your time.
Glen Williames
<Good luck. Marco.>

my eeeels – 4/19/12
Hey!
<Logan>
I have a 49 Gallon marine tank with 30lb live rock, a few hermit crabs and several Mexican turbo snails that I got from our local beach (I know it was risky but found out my local beach is very similar to my tank!) Apart from the little guys I have (had) a Tomato Clown Fish who just died for no apparent reason.
<My money is on an eel attack.>
 He was about 3 inches long, and fully happy eating regularly. My water levels are perfect,
<This is hard to believe with two fully grown eels in a 49.>
 the only thing I can think of is I don't have an Anemone for him to host.
<Anemones are not necessary for a clowns health.>
 My real question however is for this. I have two fully grown Moray Eels, one is a regular snowflake, the other is a freshwater moray that I have converted to salt water.
<Echidna nebulosa and Gymnothorax tile? How did you come to the conclusion that they are fully grown? A fully grown E. nebulosa needs a larger tank.>
 The two seem to love each other perfectly, even sharing caves and food and runways! However, my freshwater moray (Squigels) is showing signs of bite marks. There are a few on his (or her) back, and one on the tip of her tail. I was wondering if they are starting to mate?
<They are fighting, tank is too small. The two will not mate.>
 or just now starting to fight. they have been living happily for over a year.
<E. nebulosas become quite aggressive as they mature; even more so if kept in cramped conditions.>
 My other question isn't so much of a problem, just a question. Both of my eels seem to be afraid of nothing, as they love to roam my tank during the day, staying out in completely visible areas.
<They are constantly roaming because the tank is too small/crowded. Provide a proper habitat and they will behave normally..>
One of them even has a runway which he goes around every day, so much that the sand in the area where he gets lower to the ground has banked a little bit.
<Again, tank is too small and this is a result.>
 I have only ever read these guys to be nocturnal skittish animals, however mine seem to be the exact opposite. One of them (Thunder fist) even likes being picked up slightly out of the water, and pet!
<Good way to get bit.>
 It gets sort of the same look in his eyes as my dog when I rub behind his ears. Is his type of behavior normal or am I an amazing eel trainer? or both ;)
<The E. nebulosa needs to be removed. If not one or both eels will perish.>
Thanks so much!
<Please capitalize "I", proper nouns, and the beginning of sentences in any future queries.>
Logan G.
<Jordan>

Fishy Cooperation: Scientists Discover Coordinated Hunting Between Groupers, Giant Moray Eels    1/4/12
> Hello Marco, Bob,
> Thought this might interest.
> http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061206095317.htm 
> Cheers, Neale<Have observed this association in the wild myself. B>
And now saltwater Piranha! I.e. some damselfishes!    1/4/12
Really? Sounds extraordinary.
Am watching a new BBC documentary called "Great Barrier Reef: Nature's Miracle". Some amazing footage. There's the Epaulette Shark, which apparently is adapted to the reef top. During low tide and when exposed to air, the shark can walk about on the coral from one pool to another, and even shuts down parts of it brain to conserve oxygen. Apparently this is its ecological niche, feeding at low tide when other fish and crustaceans can't move about or escape from pools of water.
There was also a White Damselfish, apparently the fish responsible for more attacks on divers than anything else on the reef. Not fatal ones of course!
If this show appears on BBC America, do watch.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0198pww
Cheers, Neale
<Ounce/gram for ounce/gram, the toughest, most territorial animals I've ever encountered>

Chain Link Eel Has Gone Completely Pale 9/4/09
Hi WWM,
<Hello>
Today I just went out and bought a Chain link eel. Tomorrow morning he will be moved to a Marine Biology class. So tonight the eel is in a portable carrying tank.
Now by mistake a piece of a rock was put into the tank from the back yard where possibly the rock came into contact with chlorine and other chemicals, the rock was immediately removed, most of the water was switched out with clean salt water, but the eel has almost completely lost all coloring and is turning pale all over, I know this can be fatal but is there a chance getting him to the school tomorrow in a fresh tank can save its life?
<Do not know, too many variables here, your experience with such. I'm guessing the eel will likely poison itself with it's own waste in the portable tank. Water changes with the same temperature, salinity, and pH would have to be done quite often to keep it alive for any length of time, and hopefully, the eel will be properly acclimated before going into a larger system in your class.
I suggest reading here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acclimat.htm
James (Salty Dog)>

Re Chain Link Eel Has Gone Completely Pale 9/5/09
This is my first eel, but the eel made it to class and his color returned in the morning,
<Good.>
I read that they can change color with it's surroundings and it was in a clear tank on a very pale counter top and the minute I put him on a black background he began to darken.
Thanks for your help.
<You're welcome, and good luck with the eel. James (Salty Dog)>

Snowflake moray eel question - Head shaking - 07/14/08 I have had this eel for about a month. His appetite and appearance has been very good until a week or so ago. <Food? Water parameters? Tank size?> Though he still looks excellent, he has developed a rapid side shake of his head. <For how long?> Not constant but every 2-4 seconds or so. <Without more background information some guesses: Possibly problems with something stuck in its throat (Food, parasite, fireworm, anemone arm). Problems with its slime coat (do you see white stringy stuff coming off?). Neural damage, often due to a lack of vitamin B (feeding too much frozen/dried food without vitamin additions. Try to clarify if any of the three possibilities can be confirmed. Also check your water quality (nitrates < 30 ppm and pH around 8.0) and correct them with a series of partial water changes if necessary.> Seems this has coincided with his loss of appetite. I have searched the web constantly and read all the health questions on your site but none address this issue. Thanks and regards. Bill. <I hope the suggestion above help. Cheers, Marco.>

Golden Dwarf Moray... beh.  - 06/10/08 Hello fish gods, well here we go again. I have a question in light of a recent purchase I have made of a Golden Dwarf Moray Eel. The little guy is in a 140gal tanks with tons of rock and corals. The thing is he's MIA. I saw him briefly for the first day I had him, and now after two days I can't find him anywhere. I looked on the rug to see if he took the final plunge but to no avail the was no eel "thank God". Is this eel one that I spent a lot on and will never see? I can't find anything about the habits of it in the wild and or aquariums. <Start here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/eels/Eels.htm and the linked WWM moray eel FAQs.> I can say this, the rock has enough hole to hide just about anything and at his size he can fit just anywhere. <They are reclusive first (like all small moray species), but will come out more often when they have finally settled, especially at night or when they are expecting food. It can take some weeks until they might feel more comfortable. Establish a specific feeding time and feed it with a tool and it will be visible almost always when feeding time comes.> These are his tanks mates: 2 clowns 1 hippo 1 bristle tooth 1 fox face 1 mandarin 1 sand sifter goby Thanks and I hope all is well with you Matthew. <You are welcome. Cheers, Marco.> Unknown eel - Peppered moray - Gymnothorax pictus II  -11/18/07 Hi again Marco, <Hello.> Thank you for your quick informative response! <No problem, is a pleasure to see and write about such a nice eel.> Just wondering approximately how long it takes this eel to grow in particular? (i.e.) About how many inches in a year ?? <Hard to make an exact prediction. About 4 inches to half a foot per year is typical. If fed very often and kept at higher temperatures this can be faster. Will also vary drastically among different individuals depending on origin and genetics.> Thanks again for your time. <You are welcome. Marco.>
 

Moray feeding and behaviour   2/3/07 I am attaching pictures of my albino <Mmm, no... a xanthistic variety... not an albino> moray which I am assuming his species is Echidna rhodochilus and was wondering if you can tell from them if indeed he fits the bill for this species. <Images not definitive... too blurry among other things> I have heard that there is a species that is white from monsterfishkeepers.com and someone thought he maybe one of those because his eyes look black and not pink. <... no> I just recently purchased a Gymnothorax tile and was wondering if the behavior I am observing is natural for this species and how to ensure he is properly fed. I am currently feeding guppies and ghost shrimp to my brackish tank with the exception of kelp pellets for my scat. I have a total of four fish these two morays a toad fish and a red scat. The albino has no problems coming out of hiding with me around and he tends even when hiding to have his head poked out. The tile though I have only observed him out upon coming home from work and turning on the lights. He swims around the tank a little while almost in a frenzy then hides. I am hoping this is normal as it is so different for my other eel. <Isn't atypical> The shop I purchased him from said the fed him pieces of raw shrimp. I personally would like to feed live food in this tank. I am worried that he may not want to eat live food because he may have been conditioned to eat dead food. Is this something I should be concerned with? <Nope> I do not want anything to happen to the tile and would like to know if there is anything I could do to coax him out more. <Time, practice, patience> The albino is clearly no problem since he is actively and visibly going after live food. I have recently bought a large tank and the albino has adjusted extremely well in regards to eating his habits have not changed since before except that now he has more room. Thank you <Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Concern for Hawaiian Dragon... beh., hlth.   1/24/07 I purchased a 20" dragon for my LFS and he is currently in QT at the LFS.  I go up there almost everyday and feed on Wed and Sat (grouper, snapper, shrimp).  I have noticed that sometimes he is only using one pouch to breath. <Not atypical... not a large concern> I have smaller eels at home and they have never done this so I am really concerned.  The guys at the LFS don't know a whole lot about eels and I am getting scared.  Please Help!!! Thanks D <I would not hold off on buying, moving this Moray on this basis, and would feed it more like twice a week at this size. Bob Fenner>

Slender Tail Moray In Hiding - 10/21/16 First off I would like to say thank you for this site, it has kept me from making many bad decisions. <<We're happy you have found it to be useful>> I have recently bought a slender tail moray eel (Gymnothorax gracilicauda). <<Neat!>> According to Fishbase he only grows to 12 1/2 inches, <<Give or take...yes>> hopefully small enough for my 30 gallon. <<With good filtration/maintenance and a dearth of tankmates, should be fine I think>> My problem is I never see him; he hides deep in my live rock coming out only at night. <<As is their nature>> I've only had him for a week though; do you believe he will become more active as he grows accustomed to his surroundings? <<Indeed...will likely eventually take up a station where it can "keep an eye" on the goings-on about its tank>> Also feeding is a problem due to his nocturnal nature.  He doesn't see what I drop in the tank. <<But does the eel feed during the night?>> Any tips on training him to eat from my hand/tongs or feeding him during the day? <<Its not unusual for the eel to fast while it get s accustomed to its surroundings...but...did you see the eel eat before you made the purchase?   I'm guessing not...>> Any help is much appreciated. <<Try enticing the eel with movement (a piece of food on a feeding stick) late in the evening with the lighting dimmed but not off.  Soak the offering in Selcon or Vita-Chem to add some "aroma" stimulation.  If the eel continues to ignore you then consider obtaining some live feeders (ghost shrimp...though I don't know if this species doesn't prefer piscine fare) to try to entice it to feed, but keep up with the late evening feeding-stick ritual...the eel should eventually learn your presence means food>> Sincerely, James <<Regards, EricR>>

Moray behavior   8/2/06 Is it true fish can not feel pain? <Not true... Fishes have the nervous, neural make-up for this sensation, and obviously do feel pain> Is it known if they can taste? <Can taste... some have very fine senses of such... even on the outsides of their bodies...> Just curious. My albino moray went after some live food last night while he was curled up and he bit his own tail. I felt sorry for him (poor little guy) but I guess from what I have read about eye sight this could be common behavior in captivity since their sight is so bad and being fed live food. <Yes, does happen> I have also heard being albino by nature would decrease his ability to see. <Yes> I feed him guppies and ghost shrimp. He seems to prefer guppies. Are albino morays rare I have not found much information on them? Thank you. <Are rare indeed. I have never seen one in the wild... diving thousands of times... Bob Fenner> Moray growth cycles   7/16/06 I was looking for information on moray eel growth. I bought a "freshwater" snowflake eel of the Gymnothorax tile variety that I have placed with my albino moray which due to information I have researched I am assuming it is Echidna rhodochilus. The moray "trademark" of opening and closing its mouth to breathe is not happening with my albino. The snowflake is breathing in such a manner and I was told by the owner where I buy my fish food that he was a very beautiful and healthy moray as I had just bought him from another shop and went to get some food from my favorite shop on my way home and showed them. Does anyone know the growth cycles of morays? <Mmm, yes... there are some very nice/useful graphs/charts of time versus SL (standard length) for many species available on fishbase.org> I know they are born in one form called leptocephalus and around 3 yrs. change into elvers. Are there species of moray that do not breath the same way or do they eventually over time grow and change into breathing this way? <Mmm, some "gasp" more than others in general...> They are both approximately the same length except the snowflake is flat on the sides with fins to the tail while the albino is more or less round behind the neck with a tail that comes to a point with no fins which seems closest to the pics I have seen of the Echidna rhodochilus of the various morays I have so far researched. <Mmm: http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=11709&genusname=Echidna&speciesname=rhodochilus unfortunately this is one of the species that does not have "Growth" data on Fishbase... Rats! Neither is there such presented for G. tile... These are typically slow growers in the wild and captive conditions (actually, likely less than one percent live a year... due to unstable, unsuitable environment mostly). Bob Fenner>

Re: moray growth cycles   7/18/06 Thank you for your quick response. I have read that morays can live over 30 years. <Yes, there are public aquarium records of this and longer lifespans> Based on your information and my observations, I am almost certain my albino will have no problem making it over a year and would not be surprised to have him around for a long time. When I first got the snowflake he went right into hiding and did not venture out for a week. My albino would not go into this area while it was hiding <Muraenids are by and large non-social species... Don't usually associate with conspecifics continuously or other members of their family> and only my leopard bushfish and butterfly goby would go into the area with him. After he finally ventured out my albino went back into the area but so far the snowflake has been staying out and not even trying to hide except when the lights are turned on abruptly. For the week during the snowflakes hiding period the albino seemed like it did not bother him he seemed so easy going and seems not to let stress get to him. I have had the albino now almost 6 months but only about 8 days for the snowflake. If the snowflake can settle down like the albino he may live a long time too. The main factor is now they are in a 10 gallon tank <Way too small...> with plans to get a 125 gallon in the near future but may get a 55 first then transfer to the 125. I have other fish that I will eventually need a 55 for that are freshwater only. I appreciate your help. <Welcome. Keep monitoring your water quality, and keep that lid tight! Bob Fenner>  

Re: Moray ID, beh.    7/13/06 Hi Bob!    <Art>   As requested, I tried my best on getting the best SIDE shot you asked for. Though the lighting might not help since the bulb I have in my tank is color blue. To help you distinguish it further the moray I have has a brown skin from snout to tail and fades to white around its belly with yellowish spots. In image IMG_0591 you may notice an elongated nostril (which may suggest the moray I have is in the Gymnothorax eurostus species). If you really cant distinguish it I might rule out that it is a stout moray;)    <Is there a gold/ish rim about the eye? The head here reminds me of Gymnothorax miliaris: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm>   Anyway, I would also like to ask if its normal to morays to be shy? <Oh, yes... most species are extremely so, particularly "when new"> Since mine is hiding under and behind its rocks all day long. The only time I see it out is during night time and in under poor light condition since I don't want to startle it. Lastly, what is the indication when a moray does not gape/open its mouth from time to time? <That there is sufficient oxygen... little stress...> Because one thing I know about Moray is that they open their mouth to breath. I catch mine usually like its in suspended animation. The only consolation I get from my moray is that it is able to hunt from time to time.      Thanks again.      Arthur <Appears healthy from your photo, description. See fishbase.org re this species as well. Bob Fenner>

Green moray eel ... sys., beh.   3/15/06 Bob, <James with you today.>  I was hoping you could help me out with a green moray. I recently was given one, the past owner was going to put it down as he could no longer house it. I realize this eel is best left in the sea, <Yes it is.> however since it wasn't I didn't want to see it put down. It has been in captivity for about 6 years and is over 3' long (I think, no way I am trying to measure it) <Scary man, can inflict very nasty bites, very aggressive.> It is currently in a 125, which seems a bit small for it, but since it isn't an active swimmer I wonder if I am ok for now. Here is where I hope to get some guidance. How fast can I expect it to grow to the max size 8' <All depends on tank size, diet, water quality, etc.  Most rarely exceed six foot in home aquariums.> Min tank size, and any care info you can give.  <Well, the 125 is too small.  I'd be thinking at least a 220 minimum.  As for diet, they eat most anything, fish included.  Do Google our site for more info on care/requirements.>  I realize this will be a huge undertaking, I think I am up for the challenge. I have the space to house such a tank. Just need some guidance. <Don't think I'd want this undertaking, I certainly wouldn't want to clean that tank with my hands in the water.:)  James (Salty Dog)> Thanks  <You're welcome>

Marine Eels, Night Time Coloration, and a Defiant Mind  11/29/05 Hi, I've recently made a home for what I was told was a Mexican dragon eel but with some research I believe he is a Reticulated moray. <Both are large and messy carnivores.> I've had him for three weeks and he's been doing great. He was eating the second day I had him home and seems happy with plenty of hiding spots and no tank mates besides three snails. The thing is I came home late at night after being gone for two days and turned on the lights in the living room to check on him and he looked almost white. <Turned the lights on the tank in the middle of the night? I would refrain from doing this, could be quite stressful to the animal. Aside form that the coloration sounds normal of night time or hiding/stressed environment.> All his colors were faded but besides that he acted totally normal. Well as I sat there checking the water levels (which are below) his color slowly started coming back.  Not being able to do a water change at the time I turned off the light and went to bed. I got up a few hours later and turned on the light to check on him and his color was again faded. <All sounds normal.> I left the lights on and went back to bed checking on him again in a few hours and he was fine. Also when I got up his color was fine and everything seemed ok. The guy at the store I purchased him from said that eels change color at night to bend in to help in hunting prey. <And avoid being prey among other things.> He said he's read this (night color change) and seen it himself but I've never heard of this before. Is there such a thing? <Yes, I remember as a novice myself seeing my Rabbitfish change black at night, freaked me out but quite normal.> <<Hee!>> It seems like its something that should be important information because it really worried me. I've looked over your site and cannot find anything that sounds like this making me feel it's not so common. Oh, the next night I checked on him again in the middle of the night and again his colors were faded, but other than that acted normal. Any help would defiantly put my mind at ease.  I have a 56 gallon tank <Will need a larger tank as an adult but everything else sounds okay.> with 70 lbs of live rock, two Maxi-Jet 900 for circulation, and a Aqua C Remora protein skimmer. Salinity 1.022, PH 8.3, Temp 75/77, nitrite 0, nitrate 5, ammonia 0. Thank you and your site is fantastic. <Adam J.>

Re: Marine Eels, Nighttime Coloration, A Not So Defiant Mind  11/30/05 Thank you for your quick response it definitely puts my mind at ease. <We do our best.> Oh by the way it wasn't the lights in his tank I turned on it was just the lights in my living room were the tank is. <Ok that's what I thought, just wanted to be sure.> Again thank you. You guys are great!!!!! <You are welcome, Adam J.> 

Tesselata Eel Tank Size and Behavior 11/3/05 Hi, <Hi Kev.> I am considering keeping a Tesselata moray in a 144 gallon aquarium <Short term I hope, this is a tank buster at a potential 5 feet+ in length.> am I right in thinking that I wont be able to keep any other fish in a tank this size?  <Or the eel for its entire life.> If this is the case, how lively is the eel likely to be?  <Most morays are rather reclusive and become slightly more active at night or feeding.>  I don't want a tank that looks empty most of the time. <Lost of other good choices that could give you much more variety and enjoyment in my opinion.> Thanks Kev <Welcome Adam J.>  

Tessalata eel bit me - is he poisonous hello I have a foot and a half long Tessalata eel (Dragon) and he became a little aggressive during feeding time (didn't know where finger ended and food began) and sliced my finger with his teeth.  I didn't know if they are poisonous or not.  I am almost 100% sure they are not but please let me know!! thanks, Jessica <Ouch! Not poisonous or venomous, however moray mouths can be dirty microbially... best to wash the wound site with very warm water and disinfect with what you would for any open cut... Keep the wound clean and dry... and have it checked out if it seems to become infected. Bob Fenner>