Snowflake Eels
Snowflake eel freshwater fishtankweb com raising snowflake eel freshwater is not for everybody.
Snowflake eels. A large tank 75 gallons or more with a tight fitting hood with no possible escape points is a necessity. These eels can get very large 24 inches 61 cm and are very good at escaping from the tank. The snowflake moray eel grows up to 90 cm in length.
These eels have poor eyesight and hunt by scent they need lots of rocks and crevices to hide in and are nocturnal. The snowflake eel scientific name. A fascinating eel that many saltwater aquarist desire the snowflake moray eel is not recommended for everyone.
Echidna nebulosa not to be confused with the freshwater snowflake eel or the indian mud moray gymnothorax tile is a saltwater fish extensively distributed across the tropical waters within its habitat these are nocturnal creatures with a predatory instinct and hence need to be kept only with compatible tank mates. But for those who appreciate its tough look and long body that resemble a snake it is a perfect pet. Some eel keepers recommend a tank minimum of at least 75 gallons or 284 liters for an optimal life.
They belong to the muraenidae family which includes about 120 species of marine eels that live in shallow tropical and subtropical waters. Snowflake eels are one of the easiest species of eel to keep in captivity. My snowflake eel in my 90 gallon mixed reef.
Compatible tankmates for the snowflake moray eel include other relatively large aggressive fish such as lionfish tangs triggerfish wrasses and possibly even other snowflake moray eels if they are both introduced to the tank at the same time. Snowflake eel care tank requirements. Snowflake moray eels are true eels that are native to indo pacific baja mexico costa rica colombia and hawaii.
Snowflake eels require a tightly sealed saltwater tank setup of at least 55 gallons or 208 liters. Its serpentine shaped body has a light white yellow coloured background color covered with a series of black and yellow mottled markings that can resemble snowflakes stars or flowers giving it a series of physically descriptive common names. Snowflake eels also often do not do well together in the same tank making breeding harder to accomplish.
The peculiar shape and color are not inviting common pet fish owners to bring it into the aquarium. Snowflake eels tend to grow based on the size of their tank so while the minimum tank size is 50 gallons 190l do know that the larger your tank is the more likely it is that your eel will grow larger some report eels over 40 inches.
