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(gymnothorax miliaris)
Salwater
Found in the Atlantic Ocean, including the South Florida area, this eel is golden colored with small white spots and a long snout. There are no pectoral fins. In some areas, it looks more brown than golden. Also know as a Gold Tail Moray Eel, it is a good eel for the beginner aquarist. One important thing to know about this, or any eel, is the importance of a tightly fitting aquarium lid, as they like to escape and can do so out of even the smallest hole. Eels are hearty eaters and thus produce a lot of waste product. So another important item is an excellent water filtration system. Many aquarists like to acquire an eel because of its reputation of being dangerous. While some eels can be aggressive and quite mean, generally most are shy and retiring, attacking only when provoked (or to eat).
Size: sm. 5"-8"; med. 9"-12"; lg. 13"+; maximum size at maturity is 24"
No. in Tank: one
Tank: min. 60 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
Food: (Carnivore) A nocturnal eater that prefers large chunks of meaty items. This includes things such as krill, clam, mussel, silversides, live feeder fish and feeder shrimp. They are hearty eaters, producing a large amount of waste products. Feed one to two times a week.
Light: Medium
Adaptation: Need a well-established aquarium with an excellent filtration system. Also needs a lot of holes, crevices and overhangs to completely hide in or under. While most eels prefer to go out into the open, this eel will do so in the daytime once it is fully acclimated and comfortable. Need a tight fitting lid to prevent escapes. Acclimation will take 4+ hours to fully complete.
Compatibility: Only place with tank-mates that cannot fit inside of the eel's mouth, else they will become a snack. They will also eat crustaceans. The best tank-mates are large, aggressive fish, which are generally ignored.
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