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(echidna nebulosa)
Saltwater
This eel is native to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea. It is brown and black with 24 to 30 rows of creamy-white blotches or spots ("snowflakes"), running the entire length of the body. Their eyes are orange, as is the anterior nasal tube and the tip of its tail. Colouration may vary with its region. This eel does not have pectoral or pelvic fins on its tubular, flexible, smooth skinned body. This eel does not grow as large as most others for aquariums, a popular attribute. An important thing to know about this, or any eel, is the need of a tightly fitting lid on the aquarium, as they like to escape. Eels will chase a crab up on land or jump on an exposed reef, just to have a meal. One reason eels are so popular with aquarists is the reputation of being dangerous. While some can be aggressive and quite mean, generally they are shy and retiring, attacking only when provoked (or to eat). It is also known as a Starry Moray and Clouded Moray Eel.
Size: sm. 5"-8"; med. 9"-12"; lg. 13"+; maximum length of 24"
No. in Tank: one or more (a larger eel may eat a smaller eel)
Tank: min. 55 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
Food: (Carnivore) It prefers meaty items such as silversides, krill, clam, octopus, crab, shrimp, lobster, squid, live fish, and frozen foods. Any fish that will fit inside of the mouth it will swallow. WITH CAUTION, it may learn to eat from feeding tongs ONLY. A nocturnal eater who relies on its sense of smell, taste and touch to catch prey, feed 1 or 2 times a week. *As it is a hearty eater, it will produce a large amount of waste.
Light: Medium
Adaptation: It needs to go into a well-established aquarium with excellent water filtration due to the large amount of waste it will produce. Also needs decorative rocks, rocky lairs and hiding places large enough to completely hide within (usually can see the head as it looks for prey, coming out at night).
Compatibility: Tank-mates need to be large enough that they will not fit into the eel's mouth, becoming dinner. It will also eat any crustacean in the aquarium. If it can't be eaten, a tank-mate is usually ignored. The eel will defend its home by biting.
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