Snowflake Moray Eel: Ideal for Most Marine Aquariums

Moray eels fascinate many aquarists or have possibly shunned then away since they are reminiscent of their terrestrial inhabitants, we call snakes. The fact of the matter is that eels are truly unique in their own right. They offer such a personality reflection that compliments many tank inhabitants. The snowflake moray is one of the best suited moray eel for a saltwater aquarium. Its calm demeanor, beautiful pattern and coloration, hardiness and price tag affords this eel as a top contender for aquariums greater than say a 55gallon aquarium.

Echidna Nebulosa or Snowflake Moray Eel hails from the Indo-Pacific Oceans throughout Micronesia and the Eastern Central Pacific region including Baja, California, Columbia and Costa Rica. They tend to remain in shallower regions of the reef ranging from 7-100 feet. They are not very good swimmers hence, tend not to venture to far from their cave or other suitable abode.

Snowflake eels have a black, cream, white and yellow colored blotched appearance. This gives rise to their name given to them...Snowflake Moray Eel. They have rather small eyes which raises the red flag insinuating that they must not see very well. They are basically as blind as a bat, but that doesn't deter them from finding their next meal. Their sense of smell is very keen and as soon as the scent becomes traced, they are like a hound dog tracking down its owner's kill. Once they go into feeding mode, it's reminiscent of a shark in a feeding frenzy.

The popular choice for Snowflake eels at feeding time are mainly crustaceans, since they are carnivorous. Crabs, shrimp, squid, lobster, silversides and other meaty fare are the preferred choice of snowflake eels. Snails, urchins, sea stars, anemones and cucumbers are safe with snowflake eels as well as corals and larger fish. I wouldn't get to keen on the idea of adding a snowflake to a tank housing small fish like damselfish, most gobies and blennies or they could become the eels next meal, though, again crustaceans are the food of choice. Snowflake eels have strong jaws complete with numerous tiny molar like teeth used for crushing the shell of their food.

As for the husbandry and compatibility requirements required by this species of eel, a larger sized tank of 55 gallons or larger is ideal since snowflakes will attain 36 inches in length and 2-3 inches in diameter. Even at this size, they remain one of the smallest moray eels in the world. A weighted top is essential for any eel since they are notorious escape artists. An ample supply of rock work forming caves and crevices is essential to replicate their environment in the wild and provide a suitable home and place of retreat. Weekly water changes and efficient filtration will significantly reduce the amount of dissolved organics in the water that causes cloudy, smelly and poor water quality. A salinity level of around 1.023 and pH of 8.0 is ideal with a water temperature around 78 degrees to maintain a high dissolved oxygen level in the water. It is best to feed a snowflake eel once or twice a week. Soaking a piece of shrimp or crab in a vitamin, mineral and garlic solution is a good work ethic to ensure the eel is receiving beneficial nutrients for health, vitality and growth.

Snowflake eels are excellent candidates with larger reef or fish only inhabitants. Large tangs, trigger fish, lion fish, wrasses, Angelfish(except dwarf Centropyge Angelfish) and grouper are great additions that are compatible with snowflake eels. The housing of multiple snowflake morays is also attainable if they are added at the same time and of similar size.

Because of their calm disposition, personality, beauty and ease of caring for in captivity, the snowflake moray eel truly is a notable addition to most marine aquariums. A juvenile 6-8 inch snowflake is very affordable as it will cost you around $20-$25 is all. The best thing you can do is to ensure that the snowflake you wish to buy is healthy with no blemishes, abnormal breathing, lethargic behavior, redness on its body and is eating regularly. This will increase the likelihood that your snowflake eel will thrive in captivity and provide you with years of enjoyment and excitement.