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FAQs about Snowflake Moray Eel Compatibility Related FAQs: Snowflake
Morays 1, Snowflake
Morays 2,
Snowflake Eel Identification,
Snowflake Eel Behavior,
Snowflake Eel Selection,
Snowflake Eel Systems,
Snowflake Eel
Feeding, Snowflake Eel Disease/Health,
Snowflake Eel Reproduction,
Moray Eels, Zebra
Moray Eels, Moray Identification, Moray
Compatibility, Ribbon
Moray Eels, Freshwater Moray Eel FAQs. Moray
Eels in General, Moray Behavior, Moray
Compatibility, Moray Selection, Moray
Systems, Moray Feeding, Moray
Disease, Moray Reproduction,
Related Articles: Snowflake Morays, Zebra
Morays, Ribbon Morays, |
Echidna eels usually don't eat fishes, unless very
hungry... But small crustaceans... Crabs, shrimp... make up their diet
principally in the wild. |
With Tridacnids?
With Lions?
With crabs, likely other crustaceans |
Not predatory, but may knock over... be too messy to keep with
Not a good idea... too likely to get poked.
Food if small, eaters if large... |
Ready for a bamboo shark.... Mmm, no.
Sys., comp. 9/6/08
Hello!
Ok, I have paid my
dues with my 125 gallon tank for the last 3 years and am ready to graduate to a
210 gallon (72x24x29) marine drilled tank. I have a 65 gallon tank to set up as
a sump/refugium beneath it. Currently, I have a snowflake eel, bird wrasse, and
Blond Naso Tang all still pretty much juveniles. I realize that the 210 is
pushing it for a Bamboo shark, but hope it can work for a good 3 years.
<Mmm,
not really... even starting with a small individual, feeding it sparingly... and
the Echidna will likely be killed...>
I do have a couple of questions that I
haven't seen answered yet. First, I am more interested in the White Spotted than
the Brown/Black banded. If my information is correct, these will be about 3"
shorter correct?
<Mmm, in the wild...>
If this is so, does this amount
make much of a difference?
<Well-worded. No>
Also, will I have a better
chance of raising one successfully if I purchase an egg, or a small specimen?
<The latter>
Thanks for your help!!!
<I would still hold off here... this
animal won't be "happy" in this size, shape system... Will kill the Eel... Bob
Fenner>
Snowflake Moray: Cleanup Crew – 04/21/08
Hello WWM Crew;
<Hi Cody.>
I am a beginner saltwater hobbyist. I started setting up my first tank 5 months
ago. It is a 46G + 20G SUMP. I have a 2-3" (sugar sand) sand bed in the main
tank. I have 50lbs of Tonga/Fiji live rock in the tank/sump, and have a skimmer
and refugium(cheetah/LR) as well. Flow is near 15-20x currently.
The LR just finished its 5 week cycling and was moved into my main tank a week
ago. I decided to finally put something small into my tank. I initially designed
the tank for a Snowflake Moray (hiding places), and to my surprise my LFS had a
very nice Snowflake Moray (about 14" long) in. I asked my LFS to put it on hold
for me for the mean time, but had a few concerns first. In the mean time my LFS
suggested I put something in the tank just to make sure everything is okay with
the newly established tank.
<…testing with fish is not my cup of tea.>
So I put 3 Yellowtailed Damsels and some Turbo Snails in right now. The Damsels
seem to be doing very well with each other (each claimed a hole in the LR and
swim around with each other often) with very little (or no) fighting.
<Usually gets worse with time.>
First question would be regarding my tank size. I have read up on the internet
some sites saying as low as 30G is minimum, however I also read in your FAQs
that you'd suggest at least 60G (or even 75G) minimum for this species. I do
believe there is sufficient (stable) hiding places that the moray will be fine,
but I was curious on your opinion and perhaps some behavioural habits I may look
for that might suggest he is not happy with the tank size so I could return him
if it's the case.
<Not happy behaviour: swimming a lot and searching the upper parts of the tank
for an escape. Small to medium specimens can be kept in this tank size for a few
years, but in my opinion larger quarters around 75 would be the absolute minimum
for a stronger adult... at least you have a sump with a good size. Personally, I
believe while your eel maybe ok for now, you’ll appreciate larger quarters in
roughly one or two years. Some other opinions: Purser (TFH moray author)
recommends 55 gallons and Michael (“Reef fishes”) recommends 30 gallons. The
main problem you should expect will not be a lack of swimming space, but water
pollution. You’ll need a very good skimmer and adequate water changes to keep
the nitrates at smaller levels (at least below 25-30 ppm).>
Secondly I have no desire on overloading my tank. Do you think with the 3
Yellowtailed Damsels plus him should be okay?
<For now, but likely not for ever.>
Also will he be okay with these Damsels? I read Snowflake Morays are often good
with other fish, but might eat what fits in their mouth.
<Damsels may mysteriously vanish as the eel grows. Large Snowflake eels often
have a tendency to start eating smaller tank mates. Large males get serrated
long teeth perfect for fish catching.>
Finally the only thing I want in my tank is the Moray and a cleanup crew. Of
course the Moray eats almost any snails and crabs (and perhaps my Turbo Snails?)
that consist of most cleanup crews.
<Not necessarily… Some do, some don’t. If the snails are large and the crabs are
well armoured, hermits may work without problems depending on the character of
the individual eel.>
What would you suggest as the ideal cleanup crew to include with a Snowflake
Moray (for algae and keeping my sugar sand bed clean of detritus)?
<I would give well armoured snails and hermits a try, but don’t add them at
feeding time. The hermits just need to be careful while molting, and if large
enough and in strong shells, they are rarely cracked.>
I know my tank may not be well established for some critters (sand sifting
star?, etc) but would be handy to know what I can add now, and what I can add
later on.
<A sand sifting star should ideally have a larger and deeper sand bed. With
regard to the other tank mates: It would have been better to add the moray
last.>
Also would you consider it practical to include a crab or cleaner shrimp every
now-or-then
to help clean the tank (even though he'll just become a tasty treat for the
Moray?)
<Impossible to tell how it will react to a cleaner shrimp… some accept them,
some eat them. If they are eaten I doubt they’ll clean very much in the
meantime…>
Thanks a lot, love the site and it's the first page I go to for most of my
research on SW questions. Cody
<I’m glad you like it. Have fun with your eel. Marco.>
Snowflake eel; comp –
02/29/08
Hi, my name is Jiahua
<Hi Jiahua.>
and I have a few questions concerning predatory tanks. I am a beginner in marine
aquariums, but have done a great amount of research.
<Good to hear.>
My 40 gallon tank consists of
1 18 in. snowflake moray
1 sand sifting sea star
<Hope the system is old enough and has enough sand to support this star.>
I have pvc tubing for my moray and 10 pounds of live rock (that I will get
more).
My question is that I saw a small 5 inch snowflake moray and a dwarf lionfish at
my LFS and I was wondering if I can put either in without my original snowflake
eating them.
<It may work if you are very lucky, but I certainly would not place the smaller
moray in there. Small Snowflake eels in fact have been regurgitated by slightly
larger Snowflakes, so they can be cannibalistic towards smaller conspecifics.
The dwarf lion may be safe now, but not so 100% safe when the Snowflake is grown
(have you seen an adult?). I’m not a fan of keeping morays with lionfish,
although this is done often without problems. It’s the exceptions, when morays
have been stung to death or morays have killed the lionfish, that keep me from
recommending them as good tank mates. Also, I don’t think your 40 gallon tank
can take another large predator, it will get pretty small for the Snowflake
alone. I’d upgrade first before thinking about fishy tank mates (equally sized
peaceful morays, a smaller grouper species, etc.). Hope this helps, Marco.>
Crabs w/Snowflake? 12/19/07
I have a snowflake eel (about 15")and would like to add something to clean
the sand. Are there any crabs that would be OK with the eel?
Mitch Wohl
<Umm, no... small ones will be eaten, larger ones will likely eat the Echidna...
Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/snoflkeelfdgfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Re: Blind Tusk An Accident
Waiting To Happen... Now Snowflake eel as piscivore? – 10/30/2007
Hi there Bob??
<Yes, Dave>
Ok, so I realize I wrote this in a mad panic as I'm about to head north to visit
my ailing relative. I'm back now. Amazingly, Tuskfish is not 'blind' and
apparently has eyesight. IF... he is going blind, I've already read your
suggestion at frequent uses of Selcon which I was doing about once a week... I
will up this to three times a week?
<Okay>
So yes, Tuskfish seems normal again and lo and behold... I am missing my
remaining 6" Bannerfish. If you recall, last week I wrote about my missing 4"
Bannerfish. The 4" fishes bones washed out of the Snowflake Moray's den three
days after he disappeared and I removed them. I think together, you and I
assumed he perished because of his strange behaviours ~ maybe some ailment~ and
the eel simply fed on the remains. Anyhow, I can still see the 6" Bannerfish
body in the Snowflake's lair. I think my opinion may have changed now... how
about yours?
<Might be a fish eater...>
Remaining in my tank, the eel, Longnose Hawkfish, 5.5" Magnificent Foxface, and
my Harlequin Tuskfish. The two bigger fish are $100+ fish. I'm a little
uncertain now, as it doesn't appear the Bannerfish's body has been consumed...
or if it has, only partly. I fed the eel a large tiger prawn before I left and
he ate most of it ~ more than he's eaten in a few months for sure. He couldn't
have been starving or even hungry. The Snowflake has been with these fish since
May and has always had fish in the tank without an incident. Perhaps both my
Bannerfish perished and he dragged them into his lair? As mentioned in my post
last week... the eel has ALWAYS shied away from these aggressive eaters.
<Perhaps...>
Do you think it is time to remove the Snowflake Eel? Or would you recommend
waiting to see what happens?
<This latter>
The water parameters seem in check with the question mark being Nitrates at
20ppm. A few people on message boards suggested it's difficult to ever get
Nitrates below 20ppm with a larger eel because of the burrowing and stirring up
of sand?
<With proper/adequate filtration (denitrification and absorption/biological...)
and circulation, is possible>
I realize you don't have a crystal ball... but, when fish perish in a tank with
an eel... we can't always assume that the eel is guilty, but from your
experience will eels bring bodies back into the lair after a fish has died?
Thanks a million, tell me where to send the Christmas present!
Dave
<I do NOT suspect the Echidna as a/the primary cause of demise of the Heniochus.
BobF>
Is a snowflake eel clam safe? – 05/07/07
Hello all, it’s Rob again!
<Hi Rob.>
My new tank is/was working out very well. It is a 5'x24"x16" liner tank, all
plywood and rubber liner. It is connected to (via overflow) a 75 gallon that was
to be for a few small fish. The liner tank was to be for coral, algae, and
critters, essentially a refugium. Until I bought a snowflake eel for the 75
gallon <Wasn’t it intended for small fish?>. All was well, until the night
before last. I was doing my normal routine, cleaning skimmer, changing water and
cleaning the overflow. In doing so, I removed the plastic screen I cut to fit
the overflow, knowing the eel would love to find its way out, and forgot to
replace it after cleaning! The next day, guess where the snowflake was/is! <Tell
me.> I removed all the Chaeto from the liner tank and placed it into the 75
gallon. I also placed a few more live rocks in there as well (in hopes of saving
my tiny invert collection!).
In each tank there is about 65 pounds of live rock. There are many snails, four
or five different kinds, from the live rock and sand I suppose. Micro serpent
stars, shrimp, copepods and amphipods. The liner tank has some softies and a 3"
maxima! I know eels are "reef safe", (could care less about him eating the
hermits!!) but what about clam safe?! The water level is low enough that he
cannot escape the tank, so that’s not an issue. <You’ll need some kind of lid
(or gaze) in the long run.>
He is only about 8". What are the odds of him being okay with the clam?
<He will not eat the clam, but possibly knock it down while exploring the tank.
Please see
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/Clam_care/Clam_care.htm for
information/care/placement of your clam.>
He eats well, shrimp, squid and tilapia, sometimes salmon. I hate to say it, but
I like the idea of keeping him in this tank, so neat to peer down on top of its
home. Seems more natural I guess! Thanks for your help!! Rob. <You are welcome.
Take care. Marco.>
Company for a snowflake eel - 04/26/07
Hi, I have a foot long snowflake. I’m looking into getting another eel. I
had a chainlink that bullied my snowflake but he caught me with my guard down
one day and found a hole I forgot to recover. Unfortunately these guys seem to
be better camouflaged outside of the tank then in it.
<Lesson learned? Sad he died. Did additional caves/pipes work for the
snowflake?>
So on to the question. I liked the chainlink, but I’m wary about my snowflake,
thinking the bully came back. So what species can get along with the snowflake,
in a years time all will be in a 300 gallon tank <ok> if that helps the
selection. (I want to buy now because of all the fish stores near me when I move
I have to pay a lot more for these guys).
<Choose peaceful (for a moray), medium sized species attaining a similar length.
The zebra moray Gymnomuraena zebra gets slightly larger and heavier than the
snowflake, but is quite docile. The barred moray eel Gymnothorax polyzona is
similar to the chainlink, but smaller. The white eye morays G. griseus and G.
thyrsoideus will probably work, too (worked very well for me). If you want a
more offensive eel, only consider smaller species (around 2 ft and slightly
smaller) such as G. zonipectis, G. polyuranodon, G. tile, Atlantic Golden moray
G. miliaris, Abbott’s moray G. eurostus. Stay away from larger, aggressive moray
eels for the sake of your snowflake. Read
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm and part II. Be sure that the new moray
has the same size as your snowflake. Marco.>
Re: Company for a snowflake eel II - 04/26/07
What stores should I look into for the white mouth eels like the
abbot moray?
<Sorry, I have no idea, where you are living, neither do I know all fish
stores/wholesalers or online sources from which you could order. White
mouth moray G. meleagris gets too big for your snowflake. You probably
mean white eye (?). White eye or geometric moray G. griseus is imported
from the Red Sea. White eye or greyface G. thyrsoideus often comes from
Indonesia. Abbott’s moray is G. eurostus, it is one of the most common
puhi (Hawaiian morays) as far as I know. Ask your favourite store to
order from a wholesaler, who imports from the specific area of the
species you want. Cheers, Marco.>
Snowflake bit orange toadfish 4/15/07
Hey there Bob and friends,
there doesn't seem to be much info on toadfish anywhere on the web.
<Not much...>
Just a quick question,...I have a 90 gallon with a dogface, a 6 inch orange
toadfish, and a 18 inch snowflake eel. I've noticed the eel doesn't seem to
bother anyone EXCEPT the toadfish. Today I came home and noticed the toad's gill
on one side looked a little shredded and there seems to be a little piece of
cartilage sticking out from the gill area. He doesn't seem stressed and still
eating whatever comes near him. (i.e. freeze dried krill, live ghost
shrimp)...........and finally the question(s)!!!.....Do you think he'll heal
from this/be okay? And is something I can to do to aid in the healing?? Are eels
and toads mortal enemies??
<Mmm... not really so much as enemies as the not-well sighted eels desire to
keep the bottom "cleared" for their investigation, use... and don't have hands,
thumbs to sample, manipulate their universe... only a mouth with sharp teeth...
BobF>
..thanks a million,
Adam B.
Snowflake eel, chainlink eel – compatibility and system. 03/25/07
Hi again, had a question about my snowflake eels behaviour. When I
first got my eels (chainlink and snowflake (both came from the same tank))
they were buddy buddy hung out same cave and all and at first the snowflake
was the adventurous one going all around its new tank while the chainlink
hid and refused food. Then I guess they had a fight and he moved on up to
the pump in the corner of the tank. I took your advice and made a second
cave and he came back down, but sure enough the chainlink had to change
caves from time to time which sent my snowflake flying out of its cave and
back to its pump.
<Need more caves. Once I had a similar case of a moray hiding behind and in
my skimmer. It ended when I introduced and in part buried pvc pipes. I made
two caves per moray eel and they almost never left them since.>
At first it seemed they were the same size, but now I can see the snowflake
is smaller. Any thoughts you feel like sharing on this?
<Watch their growth carefully, moray eels are known to be cannibalistic in
some cases when their sizes were too different.>
I’d like to get them living in the rocks again, right now he’s using my
banded shark as a hiding place. Its kind of funny to watch the shark burrow
itself in the sand only to have the eel ruin its burrow in its attempt to
burrow and back and forth but I wouldn’t risk giving it food while its under
him. Also are there any chances a chainlink eel could ingest a small
lionfish safely mines missing.
<Oh yes. Morays (even of the genus Echidna) can kill and eat small lionfish
and lionfish can kill morays.>
Thanks in advance. <Cheers, Marco.>
Emerald Crab Missing legs 3/14/07
I have had my new 30 gall. tank running for about 2 and a half months now.
<Good for you. I apologize for the lateness of my reply, my DSL went down for
some reason. I was quite pleased to see that it was up today.>
I have a Yellow belly Damsel, Chromis, 14 blue leg hermits, and 2 turbo snails.
I also have A Snowflake Eel (who is a baby, I realize he will have to upgrade in
tank size as he grows)
<He needs to come out now. He will eat your crustaceans.>
and a Emerald crab. Today when I came home I was shocked to see my Emerald crab
was missing on entire side of his legs. My question is could the eel have done
this (as he is only the size of a #2 pencil)
<Sounds like he tried for a snack and was only partially successful.>
and if he did should I bring one of the two back to the store.
<I would remove the eel. The guys are opportunity predators, and they mainly
eat crustaceans. This is not to say that some of the smaller fish that you have
might not look like an opportunity, because they very well could.>
My other question is, will the crab be able to regenerate his legs during a
molting period?
<Yes. But he will need protection whilst he is molting.>
He is still walking around using his right claw as a form of legs for that side
of his body, and seems to be eating normally.
<A good sign.>
I guess it boils down to me asking will he survive, and will he grow his legs
back.
<Without the eel, he has a very good chance of making it.>
Thanks again
<No worries. Brandon>
Ryan
Snowflake eel, blue tang, convict tang comp. problem 03/03/07
Hi WWM Crew, hopefully you can help me with this problem.
<Hi Maison. Marco here trying to help.>
I have a 150 gallon reef aquarium which is 6 foot long x 2 feet deep x 2 feet
wide. For the last week my eel has been attacking all my fish, I have had him
for 6 months and he is 24" inches long. Today he tried eating my clownfish and
was swimming around the tank. I fed him two days ago and he comes up for more
two days later like he hasn't eaten for a week. Is there anything that could
have caused this?
<It is not uncommon at all that moray eels start trying to eat other fishes
without apparent reason even after years of peace. You should find another home
for it or the attacked fishes. Carefully feed him a little more until you have
an alternative home.>
To my other question, my blue tang keeps getting stressed, I have had him for 6
months and he is 2-2.5 inches long. Two weeks ago I added a convict tang and he
chased around the blue tang for two days and then settled it out. Now they eat
together with no hassle. But my blue tang keeps getting ich. He scratches
himself on the rockwork and has scrapes on his body.
<Search WWM for treatment of marine ich, lots of information is already
available, and hope the convict tang and the blue tang stay peaceful. If not,
one has to go, too.>
My other fish are 2 ocellaris clowns, 1 longnose butterflyfish, 1 convict tang,
1 valentini puffer, 1 mandarin dragonet, 1 lawnmower blenny, 3 Chromis, 1 blue
tang, 1 snowflake eel.
Sorry for such a long e-mail, its just that this is urgent. Thanks in advance
and please help, Maison in Melbourne, Australia.
Re: Snowflake eel, blue tang, convict tang II, Ich treatment with Tri-Sulfa
03/05/07
I treated the blue tang 2 days ago with Tri-Sulfa Tablets and it
disappeared, but today he is scratching again. I might do another medication
tomorrow and see how he is going. Could it be my UV Sterilizer? I don’t know, if
I need a new bulb for it.
<Those tablets are reported to only help for a short time (if they help with Ich
at all). The UV Sterilizer will only affect the free swimming tomites and works
as an additional help. If you know your bulb is old, change it. If the situation
is getting worse for the blue tang, consider taking him into a hospital tank.
Closely watch the other fishes, too. Avoid treating your entire tank with copper
products, they would possibly be bad for your eel. Search
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichartmar.htm and the
related FAQs for proper Ich treatment.>
In regards to the eel I will take your advice and see how it goes. If not, I
will try to catch him and return him to the local fish store. Thanks, Maison.
<Cheers, Marco.>
Snowflake Eel question 1/12/06
Would my Snowflake Moray (8-10") be ok in my 10 gallon "mini-reef" for a
short period of time?
<Mmm, not very>
I ask because I need to move his (or her, I guess) 55 gallon to another room in
my house, and I don't have anywhere else to put him. In the 10 gallon I have:
(1) 2" tank-raised False Percula, (1) 2-3" Pearly Jawfish, (2) Margarita snails,
(5) hermit crabs, (1) Emerald crab, (1) 2-3" Serpent star, (1) 1" Lettuce
Nudibranch, polyps, frogspawn, mushrooms, 20lbs LS, and 8lbs LR. Any serious
trouble or stress for anyone involved in this mix?
<Yes... the Moray disrupting all by at times rapid swimming... investigating,
bumping into the other life at night...>
I know the inverts could possibly meet their maker, obviously I would be
gambling. If you recommend this, what's the min/max amount of time to keep the
eel in the 10 gallon before re-introducing into the 55?
<I would not place this Muraenid here>
If not, what do you recommend I do with him while his home is moved?
<Mmm, have a friend, or fish store hold it>
Also, which medium-sized triggerfish would you suggest keeping with a 8-10"
Snowflake Moray in a 55 gallon FOWLR?
<None... too big, likely to bite the eel>
I'm hoping a Rhinecanthus or maybe a Balistapus Undulatus.
The other triggers are either too big or not mean enough! Thanks for the help.
WWM has changed my life. MIKE C
<Yikes! Mine too! Bob Fenner>
Frogfish/Snowflake Eel 1/2/07
Greetings to the WWM crew!
<Hi Gretchen, Pufferpunk here.>
I've a small problem, I think I've fallen in love with a frog fish!
<Certainly can't blame you on that one! I'm crazy about these weird,
wonderfully camouflaged, lumbering, creatures myself.>
I saw 2 at my LFS a few days ago and have been searching the Wet Web site as
well as the web in general, for information since. (Thanks for all the
information on the species on your site!) What I'm curious about is if I could
keep one in with my snowflake eel, and if so which would be the "best" suited
for such a pairing? The eel (Ichi) currently is in a 125 gal tank with plenty of
rock and tubes for him to hide in. He's about 18 inches long, shares his tank
with a few hermit crabs and snails and seems to be very docile almost shy. He
used to share his tank with a burrfish and they got
along fine! (Burrfish died of parasites over a year ago. We were
heartbroken, and this is the first thing I've seen that I might like to add into
the tank.)
<I think this is the best tank mate for a frogfish. Their teeth are flat, like
a person's (for eating crustaceans), not sharp (for tearing into flesh), like
other morays. Been doing a lot of research myself, since I bought a Wartfin
frogfish last week, with my X-mas $$$. I really wanted to get a snowflake eel &
a Fu Manchu lionfish but after researching the FAQs at WWM, I saw several Qs
where it ended badly, with the frogfish getting stung by the lion. I certainly
don't want that to happen to my little guy!>
One of the things I keep seeing is that frogfish are difficult to get adjusted
to non-live foods. Ichi gets fed frozen/thawed/soaked in vitamins krill, squid,
shrimp, clams and the occasional live crab or ghost shrimp. Is a frogfish likely
to get picky about the mix of live and non-live food? (I recall reading
something about that happening on another site.)
<Exactly my problem now. I have had the frogfish for a week. I've been
bouncing foods off a thread & hooked it on the tank, so it moves with the
current & she won't bite. I do see her "fishing" upside down in the live rock &
I know there are live creatures in there to keep her fed but eventually, that
will run out. I am getting concerned & will probably get some ghost shrimp &
gut-load them with foods & feed them to her for some sustenance. I hear they
are supposed to have voracious appetites & hope she takes "dead" foods soon.>
I'm trying to find out as much as I can first, and know better than to hurry
into any kind of purchase!
<You may want to ask to see it eat at the store, to be sure it eats dead
foods. I took their word for it when I asked, because she had supposedly been
fed that day.>
Thanks, in advance for any information/suggestions you may have!
Happy New Year!
<Happy New Year to you too & good luck with your frogfish! ~PP>
Gretchen
Re: The New Tank... Snowflake comp.
12/15/06
Just a short note... (I wonder if you recognize my email address by
now... I write you so much)...
<The name David, yes>
Due to all the advice over the years, Mr. Fenner's wonderful book, and
my 4 yrs of experience... I am realizing my dream in the hobby. I
wanted a larger tank for bigger critters, including a Moray Eel. The
tank is now up and running thanks to all your help. Have posted some
pictures for your viewing pleasure, I hope they turn out.
<Ah, yes. I see them>
Feel free to use any of them... I think I have some really good ones of
the Snowflake Eel.
I have about a 4-5" Foxface in my 20gallon quarantine tank... but was
reading through your FAQ's today. Sounds like your opinion would be
that no quarantine would be necessary???
<Mmm, worth doing IMO>
I just want to ensure he is feeding alright before I turn him loose in
my bigger tank. He's been in my quarantine tank for about 24hrs now by
himself with the lights off.
I've also read through your FAQ's and it seems like a Foxface is a great
tankmate for my 16" snowflake eel. The tank is a new startup...
liverock was 'cured' (apparently) when I got it... but I still cured for
an additional 4 weeks...
<Good>
The tank has been up and running for two weeks with liverock. I have
no signs of ammonia or nitrite and I have a hint of nitrate (damn I
forget the specific reading, but it barely showed up on a Salifert
test). I will be doing water changes... about 8 gallons every 4 days
for several weeks to help. In any event, the tank is new.
If my Foxface is feeding in my QT, should I add him to the 200gallon
setup with the moray eel?
<I would wait at least another week...>
Or in this case because of a new tank, should I keep him in QT for the
full 3 or 4 weeks.
Just a comment... the snowflake eel slithers in and around all my
liverock at night (I can still see him with my moonlighting).
<Yes... the species is naturally nocturnal>
My small 2" yellow-tail blue damsels sleep in the rockwork at
night. If the snowflake eel discovers them in the rocks sleeping...
wouldn't he sample them?
<Not really... unless very hungry... Echidna aren't very piscivorous>
I know they aren't suppose to be fish eaters, but anything can
happen. It just seems too easy for the eel to hunt down and pick off
these damsels or even a resting Foxface at night. Would the species
GENERALLY just pass by the resting fish leaving them alone?
<Yes>
I guess I am just paranoid after reading the numerous fish-eating
snowflake scenarios on your FAQ's.
Merry Christmas!
Dave
<And to you and yours. Bob Fenner> |
|
  |
Eels ... mixing Snowflake, Zebra... 11/16/06
Can I put a zebra eel in with a snowflake eel? <Hi, Michelle here. They
can be compatible. There is much to glean about these fascinating
creatures. Please take a little time and read over some of the information
found on the WWM site to learn how to provide appropriate care for these
beauties.>
Snowflake eel and what? 5/8/06
Hey crew!
<Chris>
I'm getting ready to move my 30 gal tank to a 120 gal tank and am planning which
fish to add. A friend of mine has offered me a healthy snowflake eel which
sounds great. I am considering doing the bubble tip/clownfish thing as well
which raises the question.
Do snowflake's tend to eat bubble tip anemones? I read that they do enjoy
invertebrates but have found many aquariums on the internet that have both. Any
help is greatly appreciated.
Chris
<Mmm, well, more of an issue with the two running into each other. Echidnas and
most other Morays have poor vision... and some, at times brisk behavioral
activity. I would not mix these two species together. Bob Fenner>
Snowflake Moray Eels... beh., comp. 2/14/06
Howdy,
<Hi there>
I have two juvenile snowflake eels. They are about six to eight inches long and
about as big around as a pencil. I purchased them at the same time. All of the
eels were kept in separate hamster balls at the fish store with their own bits
of stuff to hide in or under. I have lots and lots of hiding places ranging from
PVC. to dead coral to live rock to some macro algae.
One of them has two dark spots on its nose, these spots appear two be part of
the nasal cavity. I have seen similar spots on other snowflake noses, but none
this dark. Mine are almost purple-ish black. Why are they much darker than any
other eel's?
<Individual color variation likely... not to be concerned>
This eel also has a head twitch. i have seen the head twitch on other snow
flakes that did not have these dark spots on the nose. The eel looks neurotic.
What causes this head twitch?
<Perhaps neurological damage, maybe a genetic anomaly>
The one with out the nose spots changes color or tint some times. Most of the
time its back ground color is a creamy white like its tank mate, but some times
it turns to a pinkish color. It was this pinkish color for the first week i had
it and now will randomly change for just a half a day. I know that an eel can
change color if water conditions are poor, but mine are fine; 1.024 salinity,
8.3 ph, no ammonia, no nitrites or nitrates, steady 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus,
the other eel never changes color. Why is this one randomly turning pinkish?
<Other factors... perhaps psycho-social>
Also, the one with the nose spots and head twitch hides a lot, will eat from my
hand, and even slithered into my palm and around my fingers a few times, but
avoids the other one. The one with out the nose spots is scared of my hand but
out and active a lot, it has claimed ninety percent of the tank and will attack
and chase the one with the nose spots. This is so bad that the one with nose
spots is only allowed in one corner of the tank with out being harassed. I have
been told and read that these snowflake eels should get along fine. I have even
seen snowflake eels laying together sharing a piece of PVC. piping many times in
many different fish stores. Why do mine not get along?
I really want at least two. Which one should i replace if they don't work
things out?
Thank you for your time
Joe
<I would leave together, not be overwrought re these differences. Bob Fenner>
G. miliaris vs. E. nebulosa 1/21/06
Hello all at wetwebmedia, hope all is well?
<Seems to be, thanks>
Firstly, thank you for the continuation of your outstanding website and for all
the conscientious advice you give. I wonder if you could spare me some of your
expertise?
<We'll see>
I have a Goldentail Moray Eel (Gymnothorax miliaris) that is currently 12 - 14
Inches long and as thick as your first finger. She is in a large aquarium all by
her self (has been since September 2005). The little beastie is feeding very
well on chopped sprats, squid, mussels etc. Her aquarium contains a plethora of
ocean rock formations and large barnacle shells (which she slinkily glides
through - great fun to observe the exploration of her world!).
I have been thinking about adding a Snowflake Moray Eel (Echidna nebulosa) in
with my existing Goldentail. The thing is, my LFS has several in stock, that are
all feeding well on squid, mussels, cockles etc... but they only measure 9 - 12
Inches and are about as thick as your little finger.
Are the two species compatible? I am concerned that the Goldentail will try to
eat the Snowflake like a piece of aquatic spaghetti!?!?
<Should get along for a good long while if not indefinitely... best to introduce
muraenids (if at all) when small. Miliaris is not "very" piscivorous and the
Snowflake almost not at all... Bob Fenner>
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Chris Naylor
Snowflake eel habitat and tankmates - 1/6/06
Hey guys, doing a little research here planning my tank that goes up
this week. I have a 75 gal Reef Ready tank with plans of housing 1
single Volitans or Russell's Lion and a Snowflake eel.
Since the Snowflake can have a tendency to eat fish (FAQ has several
cases), I thought I'd add the Lionfish first and let him put on some
size first. So at what size should the Lion be before I add the eel and
do I need to worry about the Lion trying to eat the Eel AND/OR the Eel
trying to eat the lion? <You can start doing your researching here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snowflakemoray.htm and
here, http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm Joe,
there is a wealth of information on the Wet Web Media. Please look and get
information there before sending queries.>
Second question, I've read about the PVC tubing for an Eel home/hiding
place. I was thinking about placing a 3' section of pipe along the
entire back of the tank behind the rockwork with 45 degree ends that
come out in Live rock caves. Is 3" pipe necessary (as recommended) for
a Snowflake...or would 2" suffice? <I'd go with what is recommended.>
Lastly, What is the max girth of a Snowflake Eel? <In captivity they will seldom
exceed 24" in length so I'm guessing maximum girth at this size about 1 1/2-2.0
inches. Keep in mind these guys are escape artists and a tight fitting cover is
a must.>
Thanks for having a great Website with a wealth of knowledge. <You're
welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Joe
My puffer bit my eel 12/13/05
Hello wetweb.
<Holy hello it's Michael Maddox with you today - have had zero time for 'ol WWM
as of late :(>
I'm hoping you can suggest some remedies to help my poor snowflake eel. He was burrowing under the rocks in the tank and
scraped himself up pretty good. Most of these wounds were healing, but the other day my stars and stripes puffer decided to bite him.
Now the poor eel has a couple of puffer mouth sized wounds on his back and they're not looking so great. Do you have any suggestions
for treating these wounds. I'm moving him to an isolation tank, but i think his wounds could use some more active treatment as opposed to
hoping they heal.
<I would treat him with a broad spectrum antibiotic (make sure to dose
appropriately and do not cease treatment early per mfg instructions) and keep
him well fed. Provide him places to hide (PVC tubes work perfectly) and monitor
the water quality carefully. He should heal fine. Might I recommend putting
him in a separate aquarium, and\or finding one of them a new home in the
future? I can guarantee you this will happen again>
thanks
<Anytime>
Dan
<M. Maddox>
What do Echidna eels eat? 11/24/05
I was told that Banded Coral Shrimp and Snowflake Eels can live harmoniously
together almost like Shrimp Gobies and Pistol Shrimp. Is this true or have
you heard anything to confirm this because I'd always assume they would end
up as food for the eel.
Thanks
<Mmm, no to mixing these. This genera of eels consumes crustaceans (crabs,
shrimp) for food. Bob Fenner>
Snowflake eel tank 11/15/05
Hi
In my last email you said I might be able to keep a snowflake eel with my two aggressive fish. But now I am wondering if there is room in my tank for the eel. I have the Niger trigger, 7 inch. A
Klunzinger's wrasse, 6 inch. A mated pair of maroon clowns, female 4 inch. and male 2 inch. A
Naso tang, 5 inch. A pearlscale butterfly, 3 inch. And a Talbot's and blue damsel. All these fish are in a 125 gallon tank, is there room in this tank for a small snowflake eel? Thanks for your time.
Patrick Nikiel
<I would not place this or any other Moray species in this setting... too much food competition... mostly. Bob Fenner>
Eel compatibility 11/9/05
Hi,
I have a 125 gallon saltwater aquarium. I have been wanting to add an eel to this tank. I am worried that either my 7 inch Niger Trigger or my 6 inch
Klunzinger's wrasse would harass it.
<Might>
Neither of them show much aggression to my other fish. The trigger is shy and docile and the wrasse swims about constantly. I read that both large triggers and wrasses could harass eels. I am thinking a snowflake eel is what i would add, but I think they are docile eels. There are lots of hiding places in the live rock and i will add PVC pipe for the eel to hide in also. Would you recommend a more
aggressive eel for this tank than the snowflake, or should I just not add an eel at all? Thank you for your time.
Patrick Nikiel.
<The Snowflake is a good choice, one of my faves... It might prove hard to feed it amongst these other fishes... so I would plan on getting, using a "feeding stick" to provide food right down in front of its face... and of course keep an eye on the Trigger and Wrasse re possible negative interactions... possible but not likely percentage-wise. Bob Fenner>
Moray compatibility 09/13/2005
Hello again
I was wondering if I could keep a snowflake eel with any species of sand sifting
goby. I know snowflakes rarely eat fish but I read you should not mix bottom
dwelling fish with morays. Your website's very helpful and thanks again <I'll
rephrase a statement you made: "you should not mix any fish that a snowflake
moray can swallow." In that case, knowing that snowflakes can attain a length of
two feet, I'm thinking the goby may become dinner someday. James (Salty Dog)>
Patrick Nikiel
Q: << Hey bob,
Will a snowflake moray attack a yellow tang and how and what would I
go about feeding it. Also is a Banded Cat shark a good idea with tangs
or are they more of a single species animal?
>>
A: The odds are good that a Snowflake Moray (Echidna nebulosa) and a Yellow Tang
(Zebrasoma flavescens) would get along fine. They actually can both be collected
in similar habitats in Hawai'i. The Morays can't see very well (but are great
jumpers!), so you'll need to develop a regular feeding regimen of placing
something meaty (fresh or frozen shrimp, clam, fish) attached to a "feeding
stick" that you can buy or make from a dowel of plastic or wood... right
near the eels nose (best around night time). The Yellow Tang will probably not
compete with the eel at all. Banded Cat Sharks are amongst the few (Epaulette
and Bamboo shark families) that do at all well in hobby set-ups, but I'd hold
off on outright promoting their keeping. They are best kept in specialty or
species set-ups as you hint. These two families of sharks will eat tangs as they
sleep, laying on the bottom at night... otherwise they spend most of the day
just sitting on the bottom.
Bob Fenner who says you can read more about Tangs, Moray Eels and Sharks in
captivity at wetwebmedia.com
Snow Flake Moray
Bob,
I have a few quick questions for you.
First: I have read that Zebra Moray's are compatible with community
tanks, because their diet doesn't mainly consist of fish, i.e......Damsels etc.
So with that, does the Snow Flake Moray fall within that same description
and will my smaller inhabitant survive?
<Yes, to the largest extent, these morays/muraenids prey on crustaceans...
Will generally only eat the smallest of fishes, only if very hungry>
note...I have not inverts.
Second: What would be the smallest, in length, specimen I should purchase from
my LFS?
<Ten inches or so... these fish do very well captured, shipped when small...
Their only shortcoming as very small specimens is their ability to squeeze out
of the smallest openings in aquarium tops...>
Third: If you recommend a small specimen, how and what would you feed it?
<Frozen/defrosted crustaceans of a few sorts... krill, mysids, caprellids,
amphipods...>
Thanks for your help,
Doug
<You're welcome. Please read over the Moray (family Muraenidae) section and
associated FAQs files archived on the site: www.wetwebmedia.com for more. Bob
Fenner>
Snowflake Eel
Hi Bob, I have a snowflake eel that just attacked my medium sized Lionfish
and ate his tail and torso area.
<Wowzah, unusual>
He attacked during a feeding of frozen
silversides. He has also killed and tore apart a red starfish and chases my
yellow tang around the tank during feeding time. Is this normal and what do
you suggest?
<Identification to assure this is Echidna nebulosa... RMF> Re: Snowflake eel
He didn't make it. The LPS has one the size and thickness of a pencil,
seems healthy and is eating, Do you think he is too small?
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snowflakemoray.htm
Bob Fenner>
Brittle stars
hello , I have a green brittle star, in my tank, and I am wanting to buy a
small snowflake eel, do you think they will get along ok
<Yes, these two should. This species of Moray doesn't eat starfishes, and the
Green Brittle Star should leave the Eel alone. Some info. on the Snowflake can
be found on our site here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snowflakemoray.htm
and the Star here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm
Be chatting. Bob Fenner>
Re: brittle stars
>thanks for the links, I just had a pet store to tell me I couldn't have
an eel
with my brittlestar cause the eel would eat it
<Mmm, no... this species mainly eats crustaceans in the wild. Take a look
under the species name, Echidna nebulosa, in the scientific literature, e.g.
fishbase.org. Bob Fenner>
Snowflake Moray, Nitrates, Clown Trigger
Hi Bob, I have a 28" Snowflake Moray in a 180 gallon tank. I have had him
for six years, during which time he has grown from 16". His appetite is
great, eagerly eating silversides and supermarket-bought squid, scallops and
shrimp. He is also pretty active for a moray, swimming about in the full light
of the tank during the day. He gets along well with his tankmates, which consist
of an 18" Jewel Moray, 4" Bursa Trigger, and 7" Clown Trigger.
About four weeks ago, I noticed a white spot on the outside of his eyeball. I
assumed it was the result of a scratch from the usual tussle at feeding time, or
perhaps from accidentally scraping up against a rock. However, the spot has not
gone away. It is covering 25% of his eye, and is the color of
"whiteout" you use on typewriter paper (not really grey or cloudy).
The shape is irregular. His behavior is still very good. He never scratches and
isn't breathing heavily, nor has his appetite diminished. But, I'm puzzled as to
how to rid him of this. The only step I have taken is to lower the SG to 1.017,
hoping to discourage/ kill possible parasites. I'd rather not medicate if it is
not necessary, and I don't have a quarantine tank large enough to house this
bruiser should I decide to pull him out & medicate. Suggestions/ ideas on
what this is?
<Probably a bacterial infection from some sort of physical damage. Try using
one tablespoon of Epson salt per 5 gallons of water. It will help to remove
fluid from behind the eye and allow the eel's immune system to rid itself of the
infection.>
Also, considering the hardy yet heavy feeders I am keeping (with the probable
addition of a fifth fish, likely a grouper or large angel),
<The grouper would be a better choice.>
what should my nitrate ceiling be? I'm consistently struggling to get it to
40ppm. Is that unrealistic? Is 60-100ppm acceptable long-term with these fish?
<I do not think anything over 40 to be acceptable. Try increasing the
frequency and/or amounts of your water changes, aggressive protein skimming
(with these guys you should have a full collection cup of skimmate the color of
hot tea to coffee daily, and possibly the use of purified water.>
Also, how large and aggressive do you think the clown trigger will get in this
tank?
<Fairly large and fairly aggressive. I am frankly surprised you have had not
trouble with him and the other trigger, yet.>
He has a moderately bad trigger "attitude", ok with his present
company, but with some temper tantrums (biting the glass when unfed, tossing
shells around, etc.), and has killed a 7" Harlequin Tusk added to the tank.
Thank you for your advice! You are a great resource!
Steve
<Thank you for the compliment. I will be sure to pass it along. -Steven
Pro>
Snowflake Eel Question
I have a 70 Gal Saltwater tank with the following;
Lunar Wrasse
Trigger
Porcupine Puffer and another puffer
Sand Sifting Goby
a couple of Damsels,
We feed every other day. We used to feed every day but we cut back to
extend water life and not spoil them. We notice the eel comes out more
than when we fed every day (looking for food ??)
<yes, likely>
This AM we found the Sand Sifting Goby dead (white about 3.5" long -
orange spotted) , reddish color on top and bite also on top of his body.
Questions;
Do you think the eel bit the goby ?
<not necessarily... just as easily bit/scavenged as dead/dying from unrelated
cause>
Was it nibbled on by the Lunar Wrasse (we saw him nibbling on it this am
also) after he died ?
<yes...most tankmates would scavenge this morsel>
Would the eel start attacking my other fish if we keep feeding every
other day ?
<no guarantees... but unlikely. Every other day is reasonable. Some eels
don't want to even eat that often. Try judicious experimentation to see if
behavior changes much between schedules>
Should we feed the eel only every day again ?
<unlikely that any eel would feed daily indefinitely... kindly Anthony>
My Snowflake eel is really starting to tick me off!
<Bryan...chill dude. Take another hit off of that water pipe that you
keep telling everybody is a protein skimmer and lets take care of this, bud.
Anthony>
during feedings he becomes very aggressive. sometimes nipping at my porcupine.
tonight he grabbed him by his tell and jerked him around pretty good. it didn't
appear that the porcupine has any injury other than to his heart.
he seems a bit shaking up and is hiding out for now.
<alas...some have a personality more enthusiastic than the books describe for
this generally agreeable species. Perhaps your eel hasn't read the same books
that we have?>
I've read in the past of many attacks by eels on puffers but I can't seem to
find them when I need them. ..is
this relationship just not going to get along? thanks!
<tough to say... although increased feedings almost certainly won't help any
but the truly starved. Nonetheless...lets try to apply some behavioral
enrichment with the hopes of tempering your eels wild ways. Try feeding some
appropriately sized crayfish (or ghost shrimp if your eel is still small).
You'll need to do this already for the puffers teeth in the long run. Some think
that a heavy shell-on diet will settle such predators to chill after a good meal
because of the tough, but necessary, digestibility of the matter. Indeed, you
may simply have an aggressive eel. Sorry my friend, Anthony>
Snowflake Eel Tankmates
<<Greetings, Steve, my apologies for not replying sooner...>>
I have a 28" Snowflake Eel in a 180 (soon to be FOWLR). He had been in this
tank with a second eel before. I am considering keeping the Snowflake with one
of the following: G. tesselata, E. pardalis, or G. meleagris. G. tesselata is the
same animal as G. favagineus, correct? <<in an attempt to sound smart, I
looked these up on fishbase, but was unable to find G. tesselata.>> I
assume the Tesselata will simply get too big eventually to humanely keep it in a
180? <<Well, fishbase has the G. meleagris can reach up to 120cm... that's
a big eel.>> Or too hungry, maybe eating my Snowflake or others?
<<perhaps.>> I have never seen a live G. meleagris, only pics, and
web info differs wildly on it. On your site it says G. meleagris reaches 40
inches --too big for this tank too as an adult? <<Too big for a 180,
yes...>> Temperament is...??? <<Unknown, but it part of the group
known for ciguatera poisoning, so caution is advised.>> E. pardalis is the
best choice size wise, right? <<Yes... also quite the looker.>> I
have a 6" Clown Trigger w/ 2 years of history in there that is very
well-behaved 50% of the time with new arrivals and tortures the other 50% of
them. My gut tells me he will be ok with a good-sized new eel (he has been a
model citizen with the Snowflake), but long-term as the trigger grows might he
look at those Dragon nostrils as tasty "fish sticks" when he is bored?
<<There is always the possibility. Friendly clown triggers are the
exception, and not the norm... at least not for the ones with a couple of years
in them.>> are I've heard enough stories about Clowns nibbling on Lionfish
fins to worry... I know you are tempted to simply say "Clowns are
unpredictable" but I trust your gut instinct too. <<My gut says,
"who knows." Is very hard to predict.>> Thanks for the usual
great input. By the way I appreciate this wonderful site being free--I make sure
to click-through to your sponsors to help pay those bills for you. <<Ahh
good, that's the way it is supposed to work.>> Steve
<<Cheers, J -- >>
Why are our fish slapping the new eel?
We just put a Snowflake Eel in a tank with a few damsel fish and every
time Eel tries to come out from his rock, the other fish back into
his face and
slap him. Why are they doing this???
<Is your tank realistically large enough for the eel? If yes, the fish are
probably trying to get comfortable with the critter that will likely eat them in
the near future>
Thanks,
Tanja
<You're welcome! David Dowless>
Can a snowflake moray eel co-habitate with a red lobster?
<Likely to eat the lobster eventually. -Steven Pro>
What's The Deal With This Eel?
Hi,
<Hello! Scott F. here today>
I just wondered if you could answer me a question please, I have a 117 UK gallon
tank with a 2.5ft Zebra moray, 6 inch French angel and a Sailfin tang. I would
like to put a 12inch snowflake moray in the tank as well would he be compatible
with my current fish.
I have 2 70 gallon external filters with good aeration and circulation. Your
comments would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards, Darren Adams
<Well, Darren-from a "space" and compatibility aspect, I
suppose that it is possible to include this fish, as these eels generally will
stay in their chosen cave, and not display excessive territoriality. However, I
am more concerned about the long-term husbandry issues caused by this bioload in
the tank. Both the French Angel and the tang eat a lot of food, give off a
respectable quantity of metabolic waste, and just get plain large! The moray
will also give off lots of waste products, as you are no doubt aware. I think
that adding another larger fish with somewhat "messy" eating habits
can be problematic in the long run. I'd hold off, unless a larger tank is in the
future. As it is, you need to really be on top of the maintenance in this tank,
with regular, frequent water changes being one of the main tasks, not to mention
the need for efficient filter media cleaning and replacement. I say enjoy the
wonderful selection of fish that you already have! The Sailfin Tang is an
absolutely gorgeous fish, and you'll really enjoy watching him grow! Regards,
Scott F.
- Moray Compatibility -
hello bob,
<Actually, it's JasonC today...>
I have been thinking about buying a snowflake moray for a while now but can't
decide if my other fish are going to be compatible and I wondered if you could
advise me. <Actually, I'd be more worried about the eel being compatible with
the fish.>
My tank is a 6 ft by 2 ft by 2 ft reef tank and is stocked with an emperor tang,
flame angel, Lemonpeel angel, a pair of common clowns in an anemone, mandarin,
glass goby?, purple Firefish. <Those smaller fish would be in serious
jeopardy of becoming dinner for a snowflake eel.>
I wondered if I could get a really small one and bring it up on dead food e.g.
gamma fish. <You could, but you couldn't stop it from growing, or remaining
an eel... it would one day be large enough to consume a number of those
fish.> Also my tank is open on the top to allow for my metal halide lighting
will this be a problem? <A huge problem - eels are consummate escape
artists... you need a top with no gaps or holes as the eel will find them.>
Hope you can help
Ian
<I'm afraid to say it doesn't look like an eel is for you. Consider a
dedicated system for the eel. Cheers, J -- >
Learning From Tragedy
Today is a sad day. Neb, our snowflake eel turned stark white, and it looked
as though the other fish were starting to bite him.
<Sorry to hear that!> We've had Neb for about 8 months, he was a juvenile
that doubled in size during the time we had him in our 90-gallon tank. Our other
fish (1 clown, 1 niger trigger, 1 dog-faced puffer) seem fine. We noticed that
the niger trigger was starting to go into Neb's plastic tube that's buried in
the sand. Could the trigger have stressed Neb out?
<Quite possible. Despite the predatory reputation of Snowflake Eels, they are
generally somewhat shy and reclusive in their habits, and will simply not
compete with more aggressive fishes like triggers and puffers>
We are also wondering if the diet was okay, we were feeding Neb shrimp soaked in
vitamins on a skewer.
<Well, that's not a bad component of his diet. However, all animals should
receive a varied diet, consisting of other foods, like krill, chopped squid,
clams, etc...Variety is important. Good though on the vitamin supplementation,
though>
Really sad to lose that beautiful creature. Any insight you
might have would be appreciated. Thank you, Connie
<Hang in there, Connie. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, but I know that
you've learned something, so that's why this tragedy will not have been in vain.
Don't let it dissuade you from growing and learning in the hobby. Good luck!
Regards, Scott F>
Aggressive Moray Eel
>Hi,
>>Hello, Mike.
>I think my snowflake moray is eating all of its smaller tank
mates. I have a 85 Gal Acrylic aquarium with a lot of rock
for hiding. The fish inhabitants are a 4" yellow tang, 6"
red emperor snapper and a 20" snowflake moray eel. The fish that
have disappeared in the last two weeks are a 3 lined damsel, 2 tomato clowns and
just recently a 3 1/2 " Niger trigger. I suspect the moray for
several reasons, one the fish are accounted for the previous day then
gone the next morning. Also I saw the moray foraging through the
crevices in the rocks finding the trigger sleeping and harassing
him. A couple of days later the trigger had a bite mark on the top of
him. Now he is just gone, no trace of the trigger at
all. By the way these fish (excluding the clowns) have all been
coexisting somewhat peacefully for about the last 4 months. About three weeks
ago I moved the two tomato clowns from my other tank into this one, they
disappeared in about two days then the damsel disappeared then the trigger. I
don't think it is the snapper, as long as he is fed he pretty much leaves
everyone alone. I have been feeding them more goldfish lately, that is the only
change in the last 6 mo. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Mike
>>Yes, Mike, it's definitely the moray. He should be removed
ASAP, they are known for this kind of behavior, and are tricky to have
co-habiting with other fish (*especially* fishes of the tasty sizes you've
described). Also, please, do NOT feed any marine fishes
goldfish. Generally, goldfish are just terrible as feeders for any
fish, but it's especially true of marines--this has to do in large part with the
fats found within a Goldie's tissues. You would do much better (as
would the fish) if you trained them to take marine foods such as squid, krill,
clam, octopus, and shrimp from a feeding stick (unless they'll take it
floating). Good luck catching the Snowflake, and I'll advise you to
be very careful when netting and placing into bag or bucket, they can move VERY
quickly, and I've been doinked twice by them. If you are bitten, do
NOT pull away, as this will just make the wound worse, he *will* let go, pretty
much immediately. Marina
Snowflake moray
Bob,
Hi my name is Tyler. I am very new to this hobby. I have
my first tank in it's cycle right now, which is a 75g AGA with LR and some soft
corals.
Anyways I would really love to have a snowflake in my tank eventually, and my
LFS always has them in. The one thing I haven't been able to find out
has to do with the shrimp-goby pair and keeping a snowflake.
On your site under the general section about morays, you state that they
generally leave symbiotic shrimp alone, under the snowflake section you state
that they are crustacean feeders and will certainly eat them (crustaceans) in an
aquarium environment. So I was wondering if the Snowflake pretty much
left the shrimp-goby pairs alone, or if the shrimp was going to be it's next
meal.
Thanks a bunch for your help. Amazing site too! Awesome for a newbie.
-Tyler
<Unfortunately the Snowflake is very likely to eat the shrimp. I would not
place these animals together. Bob Fenner>
Snowflake eels
I am interested in buying a Snowflake eel for my saltwater tank but I just
want to know if I stick my hand in the tank will it attack or bite?<no he
won't, or shouldn't anyway> Also I saw that you recommend at least a 60
gallon I just bought a 55 gallon does 5 gallons make that big of a difference?
Thanks
<The 5 gallons really does not make much of a difference. I would say you are
ok, if you keep the snowflake by himself and perform
regular water changes. good luck with this fish>
Snowflake addition - 9/9/03
I am interested in buying a Snowflake eel for my saltwater tank but I just
want to know if I stick my hand in the tank will it attack or bite? <Not
likely, BUT it is possible. Be very aware of him at all times. Feed with some
feeding tongs (find them on various marine retailers) and use a spotter for
cleanings. Keep those water parameters crystal clear, mate> Also I saw that
you recommend at least a 60 gallon. I just bought a 55 gallon does 5 gallons
make that big of a difference? <Actually, that is likely the bare minimum. So
in you case I would say the five gallons makes difference. I would like to say
that the middle ground tank would be more like a seventy-five gallon tank. Not
to say it can't be done, but be sure that the eel is you main display piece and
build around him. -Paul> Thanks
Eel Hitchhiker Ought to Go (3/7/04)
Hi WWM, <Steve Allen this AM>
I would like to seek your advise about keeping the snowflake moray
eel. <OK> I bought a batch of 12Kg live rock this
afternoon and now I found there is a 8" to 10" eel that came along
with the rock. After searching in the internet, I found its an snowflake moray
eel. <Lucky you. I paid $30 for mine. Eels do occasionally show up as LR
hitchhikers.>
Well here is the problem, I have 4 x 1.5" common clowns, one 2.5"
African clown, 4 more about 3/4" fishes, one doctor prawn & a lot
of coral. Should I keep the eel or remove it? How to remove it (easy to catch?).
Thanks. regards, ws teoh
<Well, you do have a problem. The shrimp is a goner for sure. The eel may not
quite be big enough to get the clowns yet, but it will be. The 3/4" fish
are already in mortal danger. I'd get him out now. The only way to do this is to
remove all of the rock and net him. Be careful: they bite hard, the wriggle like
mad, and they can escape through the smallest opening. Good luck. You ought to
be able to sell him to a fish store.>
Snowflake Eel LR Hitchhiker (3/8/04)
HI Steve, <Evenin'>
Thanks for the advise & VERY prompt response. <My
pleasure.> It helps a lot. I'm awake last night around
4am, just to ensure "no one hurt". Well, I'm lucky. USD$30 for the
eel, I'm really lucky. I think I might want to setup my spare tank (30"x
18"x20") for him. <Would be OK for now. Needs 48 inches long
later.> However, I have no more chiller to cool the water (I get around
31degC in afternoon in Malaysia), I hope he will survive in there. Will
he? <Well, that's pretty warm alright. No air-conditioning? A fan
blowing over the surface might cool it down enough.> Thanks again for the
advise. Rgds, ws teoh <and to you in return>
Snowflake Eel Question
Hi. I recently added a 10" snowflake eel to my tank (120 gallons) and I am really enjoying him, however, my fish are disappearing. First, it was my
Picasso Trigger, then my clown fish, then my Chromis. I have been feeding him other things like shrimp and squid but I later find that he has taken
them off his feeding stick and hidden them in his cave. Is he going to have to be kept by himself? <I would say so lol> He has started to lunge at my yellow tang (which is
one of 2 fish I have left besides the eel). Any suggestions would be helpful.<get rid of that
eel!!!., IanB><<A piscivorous Echidna nebulosa? I don't think so.
RMF>>
Thanks
Ashley
Crab/Eel Compatibility
Hello!
<Hello April>
My husband recently introduced a sally lightfoot crab to our 50 gallon breeder reef tank. We noticed the other day he was missing a leg. Today we noticed he is missing two more legs. We also have a juvenile snowflake eel, 3 different types of damsels and a turbo snail...as I have said this is a reef tank. We did have 2 turbo snails but one has seemed to disappear. Is the eel trying to feed in the crab? Could that be why the missing legs? The boy at the
pet store told my husband that eels and the crab would be fine together.
<I think the boy at the pet store needs further training. Crabs are a delicacy for eels.>
Also, I thought I read somewhere that this crab needs to get out of the water once in awhile...is that true?
<No>
What could explain the missing snail..
<Maybe died? Is the shell in the tank?>
This eel is very small. He leaves the damsels alone. If we can't have the crab in the tank with the eel then what can we get to eat the algae that wont be the
eel's dinner? There is starting to be a lot of algae growing on the sides of the tank. We have never done a reef tank before. Just eels. Thanks for any help you can give.
<On the Wet Web Media Google search, type in the keyword "algae control". You will find plenty of info there to help you out. James (Salty Dog)>
Snowflake moray and cleaner shrimp.
hey,
I was wondering if a snowflake moray would eat my cleaner
shrimp. Or if he would leave it alone because it is a cleaner.
best regards
Miles
>>>Hey Miles,
Based on experience, I'm betting he'll eat it. :) In captivity, you really can
never tell with these things.
Cheers
Jim<<<
Snowflake moray and a green wolf 2/11/05
Just a quick one, since I can't seem to find anything on this anywhere,
maybe you guys can answer it for me. Would a Snow flake moray and a green wolf
ell be able to coexist in a 46gallon bow front tank? Thanks in advance Nick
<its rather poor mix... the green wolf "eel" is a fast and furious eater (keep
sighted) while the moray is not. Without target feeding the latter, it may
suffer over time. Do reconsider. Anthony>
Snowflake eel question?
I have a question about the snowflake eel if you were to place them in a
tank
of fish it is possible they could outgrow and eat the other fish in the tank?
And on one more note which kinds of marine fish may they get along with?
(Darell)
<This species almost never eats fishes... this question, your other... are
answered on WWM... read there. Bob Fenner>
Cycling an eel tank, ignorance re nutrition of Echidna, cycling, using WWM
9/5/05
Hello again
When I get my 75 gallon tank how would I cycle it if I plan to put a snowflake
eel in it. When I first get the eel he will be way too small to eat the fish but
eventually he will.
<No...>
Is there any kind of fish that could cycle the tank that would not be eventually
eaten?
<All sorts>
And if I did put some Chromis or damsels and they were eaten I would not mind,
its just nature. But if you know another way that could save some fish from
being eaten I am all ears. Sorry to bother you again, but thanks for all your
help
Patrick Nikiel
<Please... use the search tool, indices on WWM... Read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snowflakemoray.htm
re this species care, feeding... and elsewhere on WWM re cycling. Bob Fenner>
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