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FAQs about Zebra Moray Eel Disease/Health Related FAQs:
Zebra Morays 1, Zebra Morays 2,
Zebra Moray ID, Zebra
Moray Behavior, Zebra Moray Compatibility,
Zebra Moray Selection,
Zebra Moray Systems,
Zebra Moray Feeding, Zebra Moray Reproduction,
Moray
Eels in General, Moray Identification, Moray Selection,
Moray Behavior, Moray
Compatibility, Moray
Systems, Moray Feeding, Moray
Disease, Moray Reproduction, Freshwater Moray Eel FAQs,
Snowflake Morays, Ribbon
Moray Eels, Other Marine Eels,
Related Articles: Zebra Moray, Ribbon
Morays, |
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My Zebra eel had
stopped eating and is now upside down and bloated. 03/15/2008
Dear WWM Crew,
<Jonathan>
I have researched as far as I could using the internet and making
several calls to the local aquariums. My Zebra Moray eel stopped eating
approximately 3 weeks ago after a regular tank cleaning. I did a 15%
water change, purchased a new protein skimmer and a carbon filtration
system, and wiped down the tank as I have always done as my routine.
The first week, I assumed that the minor changes in the tank stressed
out my eel, just like all the other times. However, this time its
appetite never returned and then developed a symmetrical bloating about
10cm in length & is about 5cm in circumferential thickness. The bloating
had come on gradually and now has my eel lying upside down. It does
appear to be losing its color. Its respirations were rapid during the
first couple of weeks but now has slowed, most likely due to exhaustion
or discomfort.
<Something amiss here... gut blockage? The uniformity you describe...
perhaps eggs, a tumour?>
I have been treating the tank with Metronidazole for the past 4 days.
<Mmm, see WWM re this powerful protozoacide... Don't want to overexpose
fishes (or humans...)... one treatment will do about all the good that
can be done>
I fear that I may have started this a bit too late, however, I came to
using the Metronidazole after I had exhausted my search for the cause or
diagnosis. There has been no improvement over the past 4 days. So my
real question is, what could this be? Parasite, bacteria, virus? The
only new introduction to my tank was the water change and the new
filtration systems.
<Mmm perhaps unrelated>
The population of my tank is the eel, 2 hermit crabs and a Rabbit fish.
The others have shown no outward signs of illness.
I have called around and aside from a "I think that I have heard of
that", no one seems to have any knowledge about bloating eels. I do not
see any evidence of parasites. No vein-like patterns on its skin and no
unusual excrement.
I'd appreciate any direction that you could lead me to,
Jonathon Jones
<Perhaps the addition of a modicum of Epsom Salt (see WWM re) can/will
offer some relief... Am putting this message in MarcoL's in-folder for
he has much more pertinent experience. Bob Fenner>
My Zebra eel had
stopped eating and is now upside down and bloated – 03/15/08
Dear WWM Crew,
<Hi Jonathon. Marco here with you today.>
I have researched as far as I could using the internet and making
several calls to the local aquariums. My Zebra Moray eel stopped eating
approximately 3 weeks ago after a regular tank cleaning. I did a 15%
water change, purchased a new protein skimmer and a carbon filtration
system, and wiped down the tank as I have always done as my routine. The
first week, I assumed that the minor changes in the tank stressed out my
eel, just like all the other times. However, this time its appetite
never returned and then developed a symmetrical bloating about 10cm in
length & is about 5cm in circumferential thickness. The bloating had
come on gradually and now has my eel lying upside down. It does appear
to be losing its color.
<Bad.>
Its respirations were rapid during the first couple of weeks but now has
slowed, most likely due to exhaustion or discomfort.
I have been treating the tank with Metronidazole for the past 4 days.
<So you assume anaerobic bacteria? Well possible, but Metronidazole
won’t work effectively in a tank with substrate. Especially in deep
substrates it may totally kill your biological filtration. Skimming and
carbon filtration will remove Metronidazole and other antibiotics very
fast and it won’t help your eel at all. If you want to use antibiotics
you need a separate bare bottom hospital tank. Alternatively, it can be
applied as daily antibiotic baths for half an hour to one hour in a
bucket of tank water with a small power head with 10 times the
concentration. This treatment is stressful, but from your description I
fear this eel might die without an antibiotic treatment.>
I fear that I may have started this a bit too late, however, I came to
using the Metronidazole after I had exhausted my search for the cause or
diagnosis.
<The best would be to have a veterinarian sample the bloated area, breed
and ID the bacteria, and determine possible antibiotic resistance, and
see which antibiotic would work.>
There has been no improvement over the past 4 days. So my real question
is, what could this be? Parasite, bacteria, virus?
<If it is no simple constipation (color loss indicates it is not), which
could be treated with Epsom salt and avoided by a varied vitamin
enriched diet, this is most likely an internal infection with bacteria
related to an accumulation of fluids and/or abnormal tissue growth.>
The only new introduction to my tank was the water change and the new
filtration systems.
<May or may be not related to the disease. Water quality is sufficient
(nitrates <30, no ammonia or nitrites while changing filtration?>
The population of my tank is the eel, 2 hermit crabs and a Rabbit fish.
The others have shown no outward signs of illness. I have called around
and aside from a "I think that I have heard of that", no one seems to
have any knowledge about bloating eels.
<See WWM re… several reported cases, sadly most passed away. Treatments
were started too late and the right antibiotic as far as I know was
never determined. See http://www.wetwebmedia.com/moraydisfaq2.htm and
the other linked FAQs.>
I do not see any evidence of parasites. No vein-like patterns on its
skin and no unusual excrement. I'd appreciate any direction that you
could lead me to, Jonathon.
<The sampling by a vet as stated above would be the best choice,
although possibly too late… if this is too expensive and time-consuming
antibiotic baths would be the next choice. I wish you luck with whatever
you decide to try and hope the eel gets well again. Marco.>
My Zebra eel had
stopped eating and is now upside down and bloated II – 03/15/08
Thank you for your quick response. I had shut off the carbon
filtration system prior to the admin of the Metronidazole.
<Good, but as long as the skimmer was working, it still was removed.>
Can I treat my eel in a separate tank with the Epsom salt in conjunction
with the antibiotic treatment, seeing how I had already initiated it?
<Yes, a separate tank is a must when using antibiotics.>
The color change looks more like the color wearing off of him in a
horizontal and uniform
fashion. Much like pin-striping on a car but more faded and practically
along the whole length and both sides of its body.
<Problems with its slime coat and/or bacterial infection, although the
latter usually appears in faded patches.>
I'll make up a hospital tank and try to bring him into a vet. I am just
afraid that this will further stress the eel out.
<Certainly, but you have to consider what is worse: stressing the eel or
continuing a treatment, which may work or may fail. If you are unsure
what to do, you can risk to try the antibiotic treatment in the hospital
tank for a few days to see if it works, and if it does not, and the eel
is still alive go to the vet. It's your choice, I just indicated what I
would do.>
The Epsom treatment, what is the particulars on that including dosing
and frequency?
<1-2 tablespoons Epsom salt (Epsomite) per 10 gallons of water. Also,
add accordingly at partial water changes. This is a mild “medication”
and won’t affect the water chemistry or the efficiency of the antibiotic
as long as it is not overdosed.>
Thank you, Jonathon.
<Good luck, Marco.>
Re: My Zebra eel had
stopped eating and is now upside down and bloated III - 03/18/08
Thank-you so very much for all of your help. Yesterday morning, "Mr.
Eel" succumbed to his condition.
<I am very sorry to hear that.>
His bloated body resembled a prior post "Sick Snowflake Eel".
<Yes, that’s one of those I was thinking of.>
Whatever this condition is, it appears to be fatal.
<At least if untreated.>
If you could please post something for others to watch out for.
First onset: (3 weeks ago) Loss of appetite lasting longer than a week
(which is not unusual for eels to do from time to time). Swimming
erratically in the tank for a couple of days. Respirations are fast and
deep.
Middle stages: (1.5 week ago) No food intake or interest. Began
Anti-biotic treatment.
Observed the eel peering out of its hiding places with its head turned
sideways and out further than usual. Eel no longer wants to be in
hiding. Looks a little bloated. Slight fading of color in areas.
<That’s always alarming and a symptom of bacterial infections.>
Respirations slows down a bit, but still is faster and deeper than
normal.
Final stages: (4 days ago) Eel still has not eaten. No improvement from
Anti-biotic treatments. Eel totally out in the open. Often lying on its
side. Lying sideways and now has an obvious bloat around its abdominal
area. Bloat appears larger daily. Bloated area is rigid. Eyes appear to
be slightly opaque. Eel's respirations are labored but appear normal due
to speed. This is not normal, eel is tired and working to breathe.
Post observation: Eel is upside down, breathing. Eyes are bulging in the
clear areas only. Looks like internal pressure has forced the outer
layer of eye cornea?) to fill. Eyes are cloudy. A couple of days to live
at most. Mine lasted 42 hours in this position, before passing.
Remaining population in tank have no signs or symptoms of any illness.
I sure hope this helps someone else. Thanks again.
<Thank you for the detailed description. I am sure it can help others to
see fit with the case of your eel in time and possibly start treatments
earlier. Did you see what the swollen area was composed of? Is it fluid,
irregular tissue growth, gut blockage, swollen reproductive or other
organs? My best guess still is an internal bacterial infection, but
other sources (especially nematodes, worms) should be excluded by
examination. If the source is known, a proper treatment can be applied.
In many of these cases the morays have not been fed a vitamin enriched
varied diet, but mostly one type of food like krill. It can be suspected
this may have an impact on the function of the immune system. Again, I’m
sorry Mr. Eel did not make it. Marco.>
My Zebra eel had
stopped eating and is now upside down and bloated IV – 03/19/08
I am having him explored to get that very information. I will let
you know of the findings.
Thanks again, Jonathon
<Thank you Jonathon. Marco.> |
Sick Zebra eel, James' go
12/11/07
Hi Bob,
James with you today, Jack.>
Owner: Jack I’m 12 years old.
<Mmm, a young aquarist, good for you!>
Tank: Corner 110 litres, Crushed coral base, 3 hand size & 3 golf ball size live
rocks. One hollow ship wreck. Built in filter, Heater, Power head set up to pump
in air as well.
Occupants: 35cm Zebra Eel, 18cm Snow Flake eel, Blue Damsel fish.
General: Zebra Eel. I have owned the eel and tank for about 6 months. The eels
have both been eating fine every second day (Cooked and uncooked prawns, Pipis )
Tried calamari, squid and mussels. They both swam around during the day and
night, They hand feed and loved to be petted.
<Not a good idea to hand feed eels, they have a nasty bacteria infested bite
which can lead to a bacterial infection on the wounded area. Do discontinue this
practice.>
Their breathing was fine and they are very calm and seem relaxed in their
environment. I did water change of 5-10 litres every week to ten days. I tested
the water every week and adjusted when needed. We did adjust the pH with Marine
buffer (Seachem brand) I did once put the buffer in the tank directly without
mixing it in water from the tank in a cup first and then pouring it in.
Problem: Last Tuesday I noticed the Zebra Eel's head was laying on bottom of
tank and seemed to struggle to breath and hold his head up. He was not swimming
around and stopped eating for about week. His eye was a bit smoky gray. His
stripes were fine, skin was slimy. On Tuesday afternoon we transferred the eel
to the aquarium that we bought him from. In capturing the eel this made him swim
around and seemed to pick him in itself.
<?>
When we arrived at the aquarium and they transferred it to their tank it seemed
a lot better, they said they will keep it for observation. They increased the
salt in tank and the next day it ate and seemed on a recovery. When i\I called
the next day they said it seemed to relapse back to its old ways. The next day
they said it was about the same but had a white spots on its face appearing and
in its mouth. From this position he did not recover and this afternoon the eel
passed away. The aquarium said they are not sure why it passed away but I would
love to know why so I can take better care of my other eel and I would like to
one day get another Zebra Eel.
General: The Snow Flake Eel and the damsel are fine. I did check the water when
all this was occurring and it was perfect and the aquarium checked the water as
well the day we took the eel there and they said it was fine. We have been told
that eels are hardy pet is this true.
<Yes, they are hardy if conditions are favorable for them. A 28 gallon tank is
much too small for this fish. They can grow to about two feet and really need to
be in a 50 gallon or larger aquarium. I'm guessing what happened to eel was
caused by environmental stress. They are huge waste producers for their size and
I believe this led to his demise. In reading your email, I'm guessing you have a
28 gallon all in one nano tank. The filtration system on these systems isn't
really suited to keeping eels or any large fish.>
Thanks for reading my email but I would appreciate your feedback.
<You're welcome Jack, and please read here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramor.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Jack
Sick zebra moray eel... too small, too
little filtered, mis-buffered... reading, Bob's go
12/11/07
Hi crew,
Owner: Jack I'm 12 years old.
<Howdy: Bob, I'm 55>
Tank: Corner 110 litres, Crushed coral base, 3 hand size & 3 golf ball size live
rocks. 1 hollow ship wreck. Built in filter, Heater, Power head set up to pump
in air as well.
Occupants: 35cm zebra eel, 18cm snow flake eel, Blue damsel fish.
<Mmm... I wish I knew the make-up of your built-in filter... Moray eels do
produce a good deal of waste... And this tank volume is much too small for these
two>
General: Zebra eel. I have owned the eel and tank for about 6mths. The eels have
both been eating fine every second day (Cooked and uncooked prawns, Pipis )
Tried calamari, squid and mussels. They both swam around during the day and
night, They hand fed and loved to be patted. Their breathing was fine and they
are very calm and seem relaxed in their environment. I did water change of 5-10
litres every week to ten days. I tested the water every week and adjusted when
needed. We did adjust the ph with Marine buffer (Seachem brand) I did once put
the buffer in the tank directly without mixing it in water from the tank in a
cup 1st and then pouring it in.
<I see... and you've hopefully learned better>
Problem: Last Tuesday I noticed the Zebra eels head was laying on bottom of tank
and seemed to strangle to breath and hold his head up. He was not swimming
around and stopped eating for about week. His eye was a bit smoky gray. His
strips were fine, skin was slimy. On the Tuesday afternoon we transferred the
eel to the aquarium that we bought him from. In capturing the eel this made him
swim around and seemed to pick him in itself. When we arrived at the aquarium
and they transferred it to their tank it seemed a lot better, they said they
will keep it for observation. They Increased the salt in tank and the next day
it eat and seemed on a recovery. When I called the next day they said it seemed
to relapse back to its old ways. The next day they said it was about the same
but had a white spots on its face appearing and in its mouth. From this position
this he did not recover and this afternoon the eel passed away. The aquarium
said they are not sure why it passed away but I would love to know why so I can
take better care of my other eel and I would like to one day get another Zebra
eel.
<Mmm...>
General: The Snow flake eel and the damsel are fine. I did check the water when
all this was occurring and it was perfect and the aquarium checked the water as
well the day we took the eel there and they said it was fine. We have been told
that eels are hardy pet is this true.
<Most species, specimens if placed in appropriate settings are, yes...>
Thanks for reading my email but I would appreciate your feedback.
Jack
<Your Zebra/Gymnomuraena likely succumbed to the buffer being poured directly
into the tank, along with general stress... This system is too small... Please
read re these two species needs here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
the third tray down. Bob Fenner>
Injured zebra moray eel –
10/25/2007
Hi Crew,
<Hello Darren.>
Hope you are well!
<Yes, thanks.>
I have 3 zebra moray eels between 18 inches and 2 feet, they currently are in my
spare 70 gallon tank till my main 150 gallon show tank is emptied of its
inhabitants this weekend. I have had the eels for 4 weeks and they have been
feeding well and seem to do well, although things do get interesting at feeding
time. Their current tank contains about 3kg of live rock and 2x 18 inch long
rubber tubes for them to hide in, there is no substrate in this tank, I am
carrying out 10% water changes to maintain water parameters.
<10% per week, month, year? See if the nitrates exceed 30 ppm and act
accordingly. Since you plan to move them at the weekend larger water changes
would be adequate, if high nitrates occur.>
I have just gone out to feed them and found that one of them has a huge wound
about half way down his body, it looks like a cut about 25mm x 10mm and looks
white and fleshy, I have searched the tank for sharp objects but I can not find
what has caused his wound.
<Search on… must be caused by something. Could it be power head accident?>
He's still eats well but it looks awful and I am worried one how it happened and
two if it well heal.
<It probably will>
He does not seem to concerned with it and is still pretty energetic.
Can you please advise if you feel this injury is terminal?
<Hopefully not.>
Should I hold off moving him to the larger tank this weekend?
<I would not move him now, but remove the cause of the wound.>
Should I treat him with any medicine?
<Watch if any white or red and spreading patches occur on and around the wound.
These would be signs of a bacterial infection. Use medication (an antibiotic)
only in that case. You could use the 70 gallon tank as a hospital tank,
therefore I would not move the eel, yet.>
Would he be best off without the other 2 eels as company?
<Until it heals: yes.>
Any help would be greatly appreciated
<Monitor the wound and feed a vitamin enriched diet. Search for the cause of the
injury and remove it. Keep the water quality as high as possible and don’t
stress the animal too much. Chances are good for your moray eel, but the healing
may take weeks to months. See http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramdisfaqs.htm and
the linked files above for further information.>
Many thanks in advance. Kind Regards, Darren.
<You are welcome. I hope your eel gets well again. Have to feed some of mine
now… Cheers, Marco.>
Re: Help Please Injured Zebra
Moray
Zebra moray eel with blisters – 10/30/2007
Thanks for your last response it’s great to get guidance and reassurance.
<You are welcome.>
I have now moved the other 2 morays in to the main show tank with as little
stress to the 3rd as possible.
<Very good.>
I have now been able to view injury closer up, as I'm sure you can appreciate it
was quite confusing with 3 black and white stripy eels.
<I can imagine.>
The injury is now showing very slight signs of red round the edges and I have
also noticed his skin has blistered slightly on the opposite side of his body,
the blisters have a red tinge to them and cover a similar size to the open wound
but the skin is not broken. This confuses me more on how this injury has
occurred!
<Very good you observed that. These blisters may well be encysted worms under
the skin (or other encysted parasites). I have seen such on morays and many
other fish. Some day they did open leaving a white fleshy wound with reddish
edges. It took them very long to heal (months), but no medications needed to be
applied. Such parasites can be treated with Metronidazole, Flagyl and an
anthelminthic like Praziquantel. See WWM re searching for "bumps" and
"encysted".>
As it would now appear that infection/bacteria is present can you suggest a
possible brand/type of medicine, it's not so easy in the UK to pick up such
treatments, someone suggested iodine not sure if this would be any good.
<Does not sound like a (severe) bacterial infection to me, I’d continue to watch
the eel and monitor the wound and also the eyes. If the eyes get cloudy or the
red is spreading around the wound, I’d get an antibiotic from the vet, since as
far as I know, they are not sold freely in the UK. For the treatment of the
cysts see above, I do not think iodine would work here.>
As always any help would be much appreciated.
<Hope the eel gets well again. Marco.>
Kind Regards, Darren
Sick zebra moray eel – 10/06/07
Hi,
<Hello>
Just wanted to get some advice on my zebra eel which seems to be behaving
strangely…..Today it has been lying at the front of the tank on a rock and looks
to be gasping for air. Normally eats frozen/fresh prawn and has been feeding
well.
<Vitamin addition are not a bad idea.>
The eel is about 2.5 ft and shares the tank with 3 pairs of clown fish, a blue
tang and a Marine betta. All water tests seemed fine, other fish are ok
(Nitrite= 0, PH = 8.3, salinity =1.022). The tank size is 5ft X 2.5ft x 4ft. I
have tried increasing circulation and aeration to no avail. Any suggestions
would be much appreciated.
Nicolas
<Heavy breathing can have different reasons aside a lack of oxygen or nitrite
poisoning. Any recent additions to the tank? An Amyloodinium or Cryptocaryon
infection of just the gills (and not the skin) can result in heavy breathing.
Second idea: How high are the nitrates? If above 30 ppm for a longer time they
can harm the immune system of the moray and allow secondary bacterial infection
to infect the gills (in this case you’d have to treat with antibiotics in a
separate tank or as baths). Idea three: Are there any metal parts in your tank
or do you use water from copper pipes to mix your salt water? Another
possibility is a tumor (which in fact can be related to a bacterial infection,
too). I have seen morays dying, because of large tumors on their gills, they can
only be treated by a surgery. Hope these suggestion help you to diagnose and
take action accordingly. I’d try a large (>50%) water change anyway and filter
with fresh carbon. Good luck and I hope your eel gets well again. Marco.>
Zebra moray with cloudy eye – infection or
cataract? – 04/30/07
Hi, I've really enjoyed reading through your site in the evenings
with a beer, now I have a question that I can not find any answer to. My
Zebra moray's eye had clouded up, for several months I've noticed a
small clouded spot in the middle of the eye, now the whole eye is
covered <A cataract only affects the lens. See if the margin of the eyes
is covered, too. Do you see any worms or cysts in the eye? Another
possibility is an ablatio retinae due to an accident. In that case there
is not much you could do to help your moray eel (It can live happily
with one eye). If, as I suppose from your picture, the entire eye is
clouded and no cysts or worms occur, a bacterial infection seems more
probable, although they in general do not develop over several months,
but faster.>, the other is fine. I've been thinking he scratched it on a
rock <A possible source of an bacterial infection>. He is about 24"
long, eats well. I feed him a frozen medium shrimp (or a bay scallop)
every 2-3 days, sometimes soak them in Kent Zoe Marine. <Sounds like a
good diet. You may want to try a little more variation with crab legs,
different brands/sizes/species of shrimps. Change the “sometimes” into a
“frequently” as long as the cloudy eye occurs.>
I have him in a 70 gallon tanks with 1 yellow tang, 1 blue tang, 1
blue/green cromis, 1 orchid Dottyback, 2 skunk cleaner shrimp, a
pulsating xenia, Bubbletip anemone, anemone crab, small (3") crocea
clam, small colony of button polyps.
For filtering I use a MegaFlow sump #3, Berlin turbo flow skimmer, 10
gallon refugium (lights on 24/7). I do 5 to 10 gallon water changes
weekly. I make up 40 gallons at a time so I have "fresh" salt water all
the time, the water is ro/di, and I use Instant Ocean sea salt. I also
have a Carlson surge device that flushes about 10 gallons of water into
the tank in about 15 seconds every 5 minutes during the day and then run
2 power heads at night. Lighting is done by Coralife Aqualight Pro
HQI/Compact Fluorescent/Lunar Light Fixture 2-150 watt bulbs (1-10000K
and 1-14000K) and 2 actinic blue compact fluorescents. 70 lbs of live
rock. It's been running for about a year and a half.
The water parameters are: 0 – ammonia; 0-5 ppm of nitrates; 0
phosphates; KH 179ppm; Ca 300 mg/l; PH 8.2; SG 1.028. This is temporary
for him, in the fall I plan on putting in a 220 gallon and leave this as
a reef tank. Thanks.
<I would not treat so far, but keep up the high water quality and a
varied diet with frequent vitamin addition. If you see any worms in the
eye, you need to get a wormer. When provided a proper environment, moray
eels are hardy and can fight many infections with their blood and skin
toxins as well as with their strong immune system. I’d wait with
considering the use of antibiotics in a separate tank until further
symptoms like cloudiness of the other eye, skin discoloration develop.
Such treatments are stressful and could harm a moray eel more than a
small infection. I hope it will not spread. When you plan your bigger
tank, be sure to incorporate pvc pipes in case you haven’t already. Much
less danger of scratching. Marco.> |
|
 |
Zebra Moray Injury Question 1/17/06
Hi,
<Hello there>
I had a question about my zebra moray eel (young, 10").
<Wow, tiny>
I just introduced him about a week ago. He is not yet eating but was showing
some interest and otherwise behaving what I would consider normally.
<Oh?>
When I got up this morning he had a 1/4" diameter circular wound (It looks like
a conical "chuck" is missing) behind his left eye.
<Mmm, likely either a trauma/run-in with decor, or a bite/tankmate>
Also on the right in front of his gil pouch there is a similar white fleshy
looking 1/4" vertical wound (no skin/flesh missing). Also his head has swollen
to twice its size.
<!!!>
He also seems to be mostly swimming backwards.
<Very bad>
None of this was apparent the previous night.
Tank conditions are as follows:
70 gallon FOWLR (100+ lbs multiple caves)
protein skimmer, UV sterilizer, power heads
Ammonia: zero
Nitrite: zero
Nitrate: 30
PH 8.3
Salinity 1.020
<... way too low... should be close to NSW... 1.025>
Tankmates:
(1) Hep. Tang
(1) Coral Beauty Angle
(1) Half Black Angle
(2) False Percs
(9) Green Chromis
(2) Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp
(bunch) Zebra hermit crabs
<Mmm... Gymnomuraena eat crustaceans...>
The only interaction between the Zebra Moray and the tank mates is the cleaner
shrimp want to clean him which does seem to cause him some Greif.
I have no idea what has happened. Did I inadvertently introduce something that
is incompatible (besides that the eel may have tried to eat the shrimp or crabs)?
<Oh, I see you're aware...>
Any advise would be appreciated. I have a 55 and a 30 gallon tank I could use
as a hospital if removal would help him). I am going to continue combing the
site when I get home from work.
Thanks
-Matt
<Raise your spg... about a thousandth per day (0.001)... provide ghost shrimp
(unless you have other live crustaceans available)... and hope... I would not
move this Eel... trouble is likely environmental in origin... a bump in the
night along with too low spg effects. Bob Fenner>
Sick Zebra Moray
I have a 24inch zebra moray I have had for four years. He has been ill for
the past 4-5 months. He is in a 55 gal tank (too small I know) by himself.
<Yes>
He is losing his stripes and his white underskin is showing through on 50% of
his body and he is not as active as he was before. He eats once per week
(shrimp, crab, clam, scallops.) 6 months ago he had this same disease and I
temporarily cured it with Nitrofurazone (no immediate response) then
Tetracycline hydrochloride (worked). He fell ill to the same disease 2 months
later. (I have no hospital tank and treatments were done in his only tank.)
<Not wise... immuno-deficiency syndromes easy to induce>
The disease came back and he did not respond to the same treatment twice.
<Bingo>
I then tried erythromycin and he did not respond. Filtration is Eheim ECCO and
pro clear aquatic wet/dry filter, CoralLife turbo twist 9 watt UV
sterilizer. Temp 78degrees, nitrite 0, nitrate 20, ph 8.4, ammonia 0, salinity
1.023. Water changes 20% every 2 weeks. Please help I love this guy and want
him to get better! Thank you very much. Sincerely, Ethan.
<... What to say? The root cause, cure for this situation is environmental. This
Gymnomuraena needs more space, new live rock, places to move, hide in,
explore... This life is in your hands, care. What do you want to do? Bob Fenner>
Zebra moray ... dis., sys. 3/10/06
I noticed my 2' long zebra moray has some sort of pink looking polyps
growing on or near his nostrils. Any idea?
<Mmm, likely from rubbing... the nares... or running into the sides>
He is in a 75 gallon tank with a skimmer and Rena filter, I do five gallon
water changes weekly and every time I check the chemical levels they all come
out great. My other fish are all doing great, too. This guy was inherited so I
don't know too much about him, although he has been eating really well for the 2
months or so that I have had him. His diet consists of shrimp. I have tried
squid, scallops, etc. he prefers the shrimp. Thanks, if I need to send some
more info. I will.
Rob
<Will/does need larger quarters. Bob Fenner>
Sick Zebra Moray Eel
My firm has had a Zebra Moray Eel now for several months and a couple of weeks ago I noticed some white blotches (which looked somewhat like
scars) on his skin. He had been eating his shrimp well previous to this discovery (3 X a week - which I realize is probably too many times from
reading the other entries), but all of a sudden he has decided that he is not interested in his food anymore, and has not eaten much, if at
all, over the past couple of weeks. Also breathing seems somewhat labored and every now and then his whole body seems to jump or act like
it is convulsing (kind-of like a human having the hiccups).
I know we have a service company that comes out 2 times a month and cleans the
tank, changes the water, checks the chemical balance of the water, etc., so I don't think that would be what's causing his issues, but please
tell me if I am wrong in this assumption.
The Zebra Moray Eel is in the tank with several other fish, but they don't seem to be having any problems since I noticed the spots on the
Eel.
Do you think there is any reason to be concerned? We would appreciate any suggestions or treatments you could give us! Thanks!
<Tracy, being that this tank is serviced by an aquarium servicing company, I'm thinking they selected the fish to put into it, correct? If so, I would have them come out and take a look/see. It would be hard to make an accurate diagnosis with seeing the fish. Has anyone been cleaning the glass with an ammonia based cleaner? I'm also curious as to the tank size. James (Salty Dog)>
Sick Zebra Moray Eel
- II
As it turns out, we actually pick out the fish in the tank. The aquarium company just tells us what we can and cannot put in there. Besides the eel, we have the following fish (plus a couple of others that I cannot identify):
Square spot Anthias, Speckled Grouper, Royal Dottyback, Longnose Hawkfish, Threadfin Cardinalfish, Ocellaris
Anemone fish (Clown Fish); Yellowtail Blue Damselfish, Moon Wrasse, and Purple Tang. I have been told the tank is 180 gallons. Hope this helps!
<Tracy, don't know what kind of filtering system is employed but none the less this tank is exceeding
its capacity. The eel, grouper and tang all get quite large. My rule of thumb is one
cubic inch (not length) of fish per five gallons of water. When tanks become overcrowded, the chance for disease is heightened. I would ask the aquarium maintenance company if they can remove the eel and treat it at their place for resale. You really need to reduce the fish load. James (Salty Dog)> Unwell Zebra Moray
Hi, I have a 2.5ft Zebra Moray eel in a fish only tank, I have had him now for
about 8 weeks He lives with a 3 inch porcupine puffer and a Picasso trigger of
about 4 inches. When first purchased the eel was eating between 3 and 5 mussels
every 2-3 days.
Since buying the Puffer feeding and trigger he seems to be less interesting in
food and does not readily (it is also harder to feed him with as the others are
always hungry) come out of his cave for it, but never the less he is
still feeding, about 2 mussels every 10 days. The water checks are all perfect
and the water is being aerated with a 10-15% water change weekly.
Over the last week the eel seems to be jerking his head a little more regular
and laying his head flat on the gravel rather than the usual arching his head up
looking happy. He is about as active at night as normal but I am getting
extremely worried about what to do now or how to treat him. Could it be that he
is being pestered buy the other fish and would he benefit by me placing them in
another tank for while (I have not seen any evidence of this). Also this may be
insignificant but the puffer was also inflated this morning for the first time.
Your help would be much appreciated as I feel I do need it. Sorry for such along
e-mail but I wanted you to have all the information possible.
Kind Regards, Darren Adams
<Hi Darren, sounds like it could be related to his environment, tank size,
water quality, diet, tank mates. What size tank are we dealing with,
filtration, and what are the water parameters? You will also want to
feed a varied diet. The links below have more information on the
Zebra Moray. -Gage
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramor.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morayfdgfaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm >
Unwell Zebra Moray
Hello Again thanks for your reply,
The tank is 380ltr and I have 2x Eheim 70 gallon external canister filers with
full media one of these has a wave system etc, I also have 3 power heads.
<skimmer?>
The Ammonia is zero and so is the Nitrite, the Ph is 8.4 and the Nitrate 20. The
shop I bought him from had him for 10 months and said they could only ever get
him to feed on mussels. Should I maybe put the puffer in my spare tank and see
if the eels feeding mood gets better as the trigger and puffer are just getting
more aggressive at feeding time.
Kind regards
Darren Adams
<Evenin' Darren, that nitrate reading is pretty darn high, I would focus my
attention on getting that down. The puffer and trigger could be
pestering him, removing them could not hurt. A feeding stick would
work well to direct food down to him. You will need to offer him a
variety of foods for long term success (cut fish, squid, crustaceans). -Gage http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramor.htm
>
Zebra Moray Looking ill
I have come home from work today to fine my 2.5ft Zebra moray lent against a
rock with only one of his breathing pouches working he seemed to feed okay last
night and I have never noticed this before.
Is this normal and if not how should I treat it
<Likely nothing... Do what you do to check water quality, assure that there
is adequate aeration, circulation... Otherwise, I would not treat this fish.
Morays, and other eels sometimes just seem to "breath from one side".
Bob Fenner>
Your help would be much appreciated
Darren
Re: Zebra Moray Looking ill
Thanks for your reply
I have checked the water and its all okay except .25 on the nitrite test,
<This is a little troubling... is your biological filtration sufficient? I
would slow down to stopping feeding till this reads zero>
ph
8.4, ammonia 0 and nitrate 20, the tank also has good aeration.
I can not remember whether I have ever seen him breath though the right hand
air pocket is it usual that they are some times made redundant and should I
do anything if he does not start to use this again, he seems slightly
agitated and not his normal self.
<I'd chalk that up to the nitrites... or rather, the source of the
nitrites>
I am very worried as I have only had him a couple of week and everything
seemed okay till today.
<Do boost your biological filtration. Please read here re: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/filtration/biological/biofiltr.htm
Bob Fenner>
Your help again would be much appreciated,
Darren
Zebra Moray Eel Looking ill help required
Hi
I am quite concerned about my 2.5ft Zebra moray eel over the last couple of days
he has been spending a lot of time laying with his whole body upside down with
his head flat on the floor of his cave.
<Not a good behavior>
He seems to be eating fine on his present menu of tiger prawns and the water
tests, aeration and circulation are all good.
<Real values please>
One thing I have noticed is that his breathing is a little much shorter but more
rapid, I may be worrying about nothing but could you just confirm if this seems
normal.
<Moray breathing rates can/do vary>
His tank mates are a sail fin tang and a French angel in an 85 UK gallon tank.
<A bit crowded... I would check on the alkalinity (aka alkaline reserve) of
the water. Easy for small volumes with large bioloads to lose such in short
order>
As always your help would be much appreciated
Kind Regards
Darren Adams
<Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: Zebra Morey Eel Looking ill help required
Thanks for your reply, the water readings are ammonia 0, nitrate 40ppm,
<Would like to see the nitrates kept below 10 ppm>
nitrite 0, and ph 8.4, I always us RO water and do a water change of 7-10 UK
gallons a week, would there still be alkaline in the water.
<Likely so, gauging from your high, constant pH.>
The eel is still swimming round at night, but again today he was laying
upside down.
The tang is just 3 inches and the angel 5 inches.
If you think I should test for alkaline it will get a kit tomorrow but if
that is fine do you have any other suggestions.
<Perhaps to try changing the diet a bit (to other crustaceans) and maybe
augmenting this with a HUFA, vitamin and iodide mix (available through TMC in
the UK... by Tropic Marin, Microvert. Bob Fenner>
Kind Regards
Darren
Re: ill zebra eel
Zebra Eel Follow up
I just checked the quality of the water. The specific gravity is 1.019. The pH is between 7.8-8.0 , the nitrites are 0, the Nitrates are between 10-20 and the ammonia is 0.
I have been feeding the zebra moray eel about twice a week. I feed him krill and occasionally crab.
I have been constantly monitoring his condition and he seems to be breathing less and less. It does not seem as if he has moved today. Although this could be the case, he is still breathing and moves occasionally.
<Your pH is pretty low. You mentioned doing a water change in your previous email. I would suggest another as soon as possible. You nitrates are not high, but your pH should be higher, 8.2-8.4 being optimal. Feeding and other parameters are ok. -Steven Pro>
Please help. Thanks.
Anny & Brian
Zebra Eel
<greetings, Anny>
Recently, he has been inactive for long periods. During this period, he will lay part of his body upside down (mostly resting it on a rock). Could it be something he has eaten (yellow damsel currently MIA)?
<nope... captive artifact/anomaly or water quality issue most likely. Else it may be an
expression of poor health from inappropriate diet. What have you been feeding an how often?>
I recently did a water change so the water quality is ok.
<what were the specific water quality readings?>
Is there any illness associated with zebra eels that I should know about? Thank you for your help!
-Anny
<Anny, please follow up with the chemistry and feeding info so that we may help you promptly.
Anthony>
Zebra Moray Eel Problems
Hi Robert, just a quick question regarding an eel. He has developed small egg-looking sacks on the inside of his mouth. It seems to be hindering his eating behavior. Please let me know if you have any knowledge of what this might be and how I might treat it. Thanks
<Could be symptomatic of a genetic, developmental, nutritional, environmental, infectious or parasitic disease... or "natural"... about the only thing to do at this point is to check water quality, improve, make consistent... possibly supplement foods, water with vitamins, iodide... and evaluate your current set-up and maintenance procedures for possible trouble/s. Bob Fenner>
Zebra Moray (6-11-03)
I have a 17-18" Gymnomuraena zebra living in a 55 tank Who has
developed
white specks along his body. Is this disease? <If they look like little
grains of sugar on him it is most likely disease. Look here and see if you
can find anything helpful: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/parasiti.htm
.>
History: Tank: Been cycled for nearly a year. 25-30lbs. Live rock. W/D SUMP.
And Canister filter. Feeding. Recently switched from small daily feeding to
twice weekly medium/large feeding. Additions. Only 5-6lbs live rock. <Some
thing may have come in on the rock.> Tank Mates. No new additions, 4 small
predatory fish. Any ideas? Thanks for your help And as I've stated in a
previous email, Great book. Jake Dean <Hope this helps, Cody.> Dallas.
I was the author of the above post http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramfa.htm
and wanted to follow up.
As I watched him daily the white spots, in a sort of ameba shape, covered
99% of his body and within days became recessed bruised and bloody sores. I
took him to the LFS to which they said "This is bad" (comments of a
belt or
a wrist watch band didn't sit well with me) "but try this" - Kanacyn,
"If
that does not work let me know and we will switch meds."
I treated him in a hospital tank for 25-30 min.s. at a time, every other day,
and cutting the dosage in half then returning him to his tank.
It didn't work.
Triggers waiting for a meal started nipping at his rotting and bloody tail.
I researched to next Med. and decided on Triple Sulfa.
Once daily in the hospice tank, 1-1.5 hours, three rounds.
Within two days his activity was back to normal and he was eating.
That was nearly three weeks ago, he is doing great. He has barely visible
scars and his tail is slowly retaking it's original shape and color.
thanks
-Jake
Sick Zebra Moray (8-6-03)
As I watched him daily the white spots, in a sort of ameba shape, covered
99% of his body and within days became recessed bruised and bloody sores. I
took him to the LFS to which they said "This is bad" (comments of a
belt or
a wrist watch band didn't sit well with me) "but try this" - Kanacyn,
"If
that does not work let me know and we will switch meds."
I treated him in a hospital tank for 25-30 min.s. at a time, every other day,
and cutting the dosage in half then returning him to his tank.
It didn't work.
Triggers waiting for a meal started nipping at his rotting and bloody tail.
I researched to next Med. and decided on Triple Sulfa.
Once daily in the hospice tank, 1-1.5 hours, three rounds.
Within two days his activity was back to normal and he was eating.
That was nearly three weeks ago, he is doing great. He has barely visible
scars and his tail is slowly retaking it's original shape and color.<Thank
you for the follow up, it is always nice to hear what happened. Good
to hear of success! You will love this guy, I have 1 myself and he is
my favorite. Mine is very tame and will wrap around my arm and take
food from my hand at feeding time. He would appreciate a bigger tank
in the near future though. Cody>
thanks
-Jake
Zebra Moray and Ich
Hi, I have a case of Ick,
in one of my tanks. I've moved all the fish to a hospital tank. The
only thing left in the main tank is my Zebra moray. I'm thinking I
should set up another tank for him. Is this necessary, and would the
meds be the same as for the fish?<NO!!! I would recommend a simple freshwater
dip for
this species with the usual three to four week quarantine for new specimens.
Avoid copper compounds, dye and organophosphate-containing remedies as these are
deadly to true eels.
(http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramor.htm)>
I would like to move a few of the
fish from the first hospital tank to the second to reduce crowding,
especially for the length of time they will be there.<ok> I will NEVER add
a fish that hasn't been in a Q tank again. Any help or Ideas will be
appreciated. Eric <Do read more about your Zebra moray at this link
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramor.htm,
Good luck with everything, IanB> |
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Zebra Moray and Ich
I've already taken care of it. I separated the eel and medicated the fish. I
managed to save all but 1 fish. Meds are done and I'm going to wait a month then
put them back in the main tank gradually. Thanks for your quick response. Eric
<glad to hear that my friend, Good luck, IanB>
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- Sick Zebra Eel -
I wrote a few days ago about my sick zebra eel. I thought for
some reason that you would reply to me and post it on the site but that was my
mistake. <Well... my most humble apologies - your mail did not come through
my email box, but sometimes things get lost in the shuffle - we get hundreds of
emails a day... or at least it seems that way.>
So today when I went to look for the reply on the site I found the picture that
I attached to the email but I was unable to find the reply. <It does sound
like we never got to it, except for the picture - very odd.> The picture
looked like it was attached to someone elses email about ich so does that mean that's
what he has? <I couldn't say for certain, except to say that eels don't
generally get Cryptocaryon - if you don't mind resending the image along with
your original email to my attention, I'll be happy to give things another
look.> I know its hard to say but is there anyway that i can search for the
reply or anything. <My feeling is that there is no reply to find - something
got mixed up. Again, I apologize for the confusion.> I really appreciate all
your help and patience. If you could just reply to me here so I'm
sure to get it that would be great, thanks. <Please tell me again what's up
with your eel - I've no way to give you any useful information at this
point.>
Sincerely,
Shaun
p.s. the picture is of mostly just his head, pointed to the right out of what
looks like the entrance to a cave. i don't know if you needed to know that but
just in case, thanks again. <Look forward to hearing from you with that image
and original email. Cheers, J -- >
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- Sick Zebra Eel, Follow-up -
i appreciate you writing me back but someone already replied to me...
<Ok.> found out that he has HLLE but they didn't say how to fix it. I
know that its supposed to be mainly vitamin deficiency but i can't get him to
eat even his krill soaked in vitamin sup or this garlic stuff i got and I've
haven't fed him in two weeks so he should be hungry. <Yup, getting it to eat
will be a good start.> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks
again for replying to me though.
<Cheers, J -- > |
Zebra Eel Problem (2/2/04)
Hi. <Howdy> So I'll try to make this short. First off I did look on your site to try and find the problem myself <thanks> but since
I am still fairly new to salt water I couldn't really find much. I have a 1.25 ft zebra eel in a 55 gallon tank. <I disagree with Scott Michael's assertion that a 55G tank is big enough for an eel that can exceed 4 feet in length. 120G is better.>
As you can see in the picture he's starting to turn pink (not white) in his black stripes. <Do you mean the white stripes in between?> At first this
didn't concern me cause I figured it was just cause he only ate krill for a year (bad info from
store) so if you can suggest something else for him to eat (besides silver sides)<why not silversides?>
I would appreciate it.
<sand eels, squid, octopus tentacles, mussels--a variety of marine meats. I feed mind a seafood gumbo mix I get at Albertson's for $3 per lb.>
Anyway, this concerns me now because my 1.5 in Sailfin tang (only other fish in tank besides some signature coral) has some
pink forming above one of his eyes and the eel has started acting strange. <Suspicious for HLLE, look this up on WWM.> Sometimes it looks as though he's trying to breathe without opening his mouth
at all, and then he'll thrash around like he's having a seizure. <Almost sounds like maybe he's got something stuck in his throat. Don't know what to do for that if it were the case.> Other times
(I saw that other people on the site had this problem too but I didn't see what it was) he'll lay on his side or up against something like
he's dead for half the day. <Possibly toxic water conditions or malnutrition.>
I know you would like specific numbers on water quality but sadly enough the store said that they
can't give me exact numbers they just say that "your water is fine, nothing's off" and oxygen should be fine cause
I have the powerhead from the Fluval 304 breaking the surface and creating bubbles. <I'm no longer a fan of canisters in marine aquariums. Frequent (at least weekly) cleaning is required.> Anything that you could suggest would be great help, thank you so much for you time. <Buy some test kits of your own so you can have real numbers for the most important parameters. Salifert, Hatch and LaMotte kits are well-regarded. I've been reasonably satisfied with Hagen. Feed the fish a better variety of foods and soak these in Selcon & vitamins before feeding. Get the Tang some live algae to eat (e.g. Tang Heaven from
www.ipsf.com) that you might want to grow yourself. Maintain excellent water quality & see if this causes improvement.>
Sincerely, Shaun Welsh <Hope this helps. Steve Allen>
Zebra Moray Ills?
Hello Bob,
<Hi, MikeD here today>
I have two Zebra Moray Eels in a 125 UK Gallon tank. One eel which is of 2.5ft
which I have had for 18mths, the other is of 18inch and was recently introduced
in to the tank just over 3weeks ago.
The only other tank mate is a six inch snowflake eel.<Shouldn't be a problem
here with the combination>
The tank is well filtered with a large prism protein skimmer. All chemical
levels are okay. Ammonia 0ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate 20ppm, ph 8.o<OK>
I have a cave made of gutter piping imbedded in the coral sand with four outlets
for the eels to live.<Fine as long as they will use it. Keep in mind the zebra
morays get quite large!>
The larger zebra moray eel has not fed for 5days, paying no interest in food at
all, and for most of today laying upside down with his head out of the
cave.<This isn't unusual, and actually normal for morays being fed quite
heavily>
After the lights went off tonight he/she swam out of his cave and I noticed his
girth was swollen to nearly twice its normal size, from behind his/her head to
his rectum. I had noticed over the last week or two his girth was slightly
larger but not to the concerning extent of the above).
His respiration is also slightly more erratic.<THIS is sign for concern. You may
want to consider quarantining this fish for treatment>
The two zebra eels seem to get on very well, swimming and laying together most
of the time. Could this be a pregnancy!<Possible, but not likely, given their
small size.> surely not in such a short time?<LOL! Even fish can react strongly
if one is a "10" **grin**
I have tried to look up on the internet but have not found any information on
this subject.<IF it's pregnancy, they may well spawn for you, but rearing has
not yet been accomplished on a home level due to the long planktonic elver
stage. My suggestion would be to wait for a day or two, and if the larger fish
doesn't show signs of improvement, remove it to a quarantine/hospital tank and
treat for constipation, possibly a bacterial infection>
Your prompt help would be most appreciated in this hour of need.
<Hope this helps a little>
Many Thanks
Darren Adams
Sick Zebra Moray Eel
<Hi, MikeD here>
I have a 2 ft eel that up to very recently was doing well. I found him
today breathing rapidly with his head leaning on a rock (left side) and
with only his right gill pouch protruding out more than I ever noticed
before.<That's not good> My first thought was that he has something caught
in his throat
as he usually breathes evenly through both pouches. When he tried to
move positions, I noticed that his body quivered and like one would with
a chill or seizure. I fed him 4 days ago 3-4 silver slides but not
interested in eating now.<This is part of your problem....I'm surprised it
ate them at all. These are specialized crustacean predators, requiring a diet of
shrimp, lobster, squid and crabs> I had him for about a month or so and his
diet
consists of these fish (silver sides).<OK...this is part of the problem.
These are an oily, fatty fish not normally suggested for these> That was the
store told me to
feed him.<Ouch! So much for stores. God only knows how long they were feeding
it these.
He lives in a 120 gallon aquarium with 2 angels 1 squirrel fish and a
clownfish.<Good combination.> Occasionally the small black angel fish
(about 2-3 inches)
has tried to peck at him but otherwise there is no stress from other
tank mates.<Do you have enough LR so that he can stay completely hidden, with
just his head exposed?> He was well until recently and the only change I made
before his condition changed was to do a water change and I expected that this
would improve the environment not make things worse.<Likewise> The PH is
7.9-8.0 .
Ammonia and nitrites is zero and nitrates is 5
Could this be due to some bacterial infection from bad fish food, bad
chemistry or diet issues?<All three is possible and likely. My only
suggestion would be try a good antibiotic regimen in a quarantine tank and make
a trip to the supermarket for a diet change. Raw shrimp ought to be eagerly
welcomed if it can be tempted to eat.> What can I do to help him?<Keep
your fingers crossed too.>
I appreciate any help that you could offer.
Linda.
Sick Zebra Moray
<Hi, Mike D here>
Thanks for your speedy response. I wish I had received the instructions from the
store on the crustacean diet at the outset.<me too> I tried to give some raw
shrimp to give to the eel but he unfortunately was not interested in
eating.<That's not good>
I have a lot of live rock creating hiding places but nothing enclosed like a
cave where there is only one way in and out.<Many people bury PVC pipe in the
substrate so that the eel can use it like a tunnel with just the head
protruding, the normal position for them.> I did take notice that the little
black angel is very aggressive towards the eel and took every opportunity to nip
at his body. I did not think that this was so much a problem.<It isn't. Many
fish will "mob" a moray whenever they see them out, much like crows with a
hawk.> The eel still moves around the tank but not swimming as before but rather
on the gravel dragging his body (body appears stiff).<Swimming wasn't a good
sign either, but it sounds to have gotten worse> I wonder if he has sustained
a bunch of wounds from this fish?<Doubtful...they make wallets from this tough
hide, plus they secrete a very heavy slime coat> I did remove the aggressive
fish from the tank.<put the angel back and remove the eel for treatment> Can you
tell me what kind of antibiotic product I should obtain for the tank? Should I
be adding anything else to the tank?<I suggest NEVER treat you fish in your main
tank. It can destroy the bacterial balance, causing the whole tank to cycle at
times, create a bacterial bloom that's often fatal, and/or some products, like
copper will actually chemically bond to the LR and substrate. I suggest keeping
a 10 or 20 gal. tank around to press into service as a hospital tank (do a
search under "hospital tank" and you should find a wealth of information on
filters and such. A good antibiotic is Nitrofurazone and Furazolidone> like
that stress coat product?< Probably not necessary as eels secrete a copious
amount of slime already.>
Thanks so very much for your help!!<The very best of luck to you>
Linda
Sick banded moray eel/red sores
I have a 3 1/2 ft. I believe a Banded Moray eel.
<Gymnothorax zebra?>
I recently did not add enough salt to his tank and burned him w/ the fresh water?
<Not likely>
He now has red bloody spots around his face & neck approx 4 of them, also very white
around the face as well.
I have since corrected the problem w/his salinity and ph is ok as well. It has been
about a week since this has happened. Have you ever heard of this before?
Thank you for your response.
Stacey Swanson
<Have seen moray eels with burns from poor water chemistry, physical damage from
scratches on decor, jumping out... if yours is still alive after a week it will
likely cure up. Bob Fenner>
He's a tough guy, and is still alive and kicking!
<Ah, good>
Thanks for the quick response!
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Stacey Swanson :)
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