Ribbon Eel Rhinomuraena Quaesita

Description

Overview:
The Ribbon Eel is a striking and fascinating species of moray eel known for its vibrant coloration and elegant, ribbon-like dorsal fin. They are often referred to as Blue Ribbon Eels due to their vivid blue coloration in juvenile form, which eventually changes to yellow as they mature. Ribbon Eels are slender, long-bodied eels, with an interesting characteristic: they have a dramatically long, slender dorsal fin that gives them their “ribbon” appearance. These eels are known for their shy, elusive behavior, often staying hidden in crevices or burrows in the wild.
Origin:
Ribbon Eels are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the coasts of Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Japan, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. They primarily inhabit shallow reef areas and coral reefs, where they can hide in small crevices or caves.
Feeding:
In the wild, Ribbon Eels are carnivorous predators, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. In an aquarium, they can be fed a diet of live or frozen foods such as shrimp, small fish, and other meaty items. They are known to be picky eaters at times, so maintaining a varied diet is key to ensuring their health and well-being in captivity. Offering food on a feeding stick or in a way that mimics their natural hunting style may encourage feeding.
Tank Mates:
Ribbon Eels are best kept with peaceful fish species that are not large or aggressive, as they can be stressed by overly boisterous or territorial tank mates. Ideal companions include smaller peaceful fish like gobies, blennies, and clownfish. Avoid keeping them with large predatory fish or aggressive species that may harass or outcompete them for food. They can also coexist with other non-aggressive eels, but caution should be exercised in choosing tank mates.
Aggression:
Ribbon Eels are generally not aggressive; however, they can be territorial, particularly in smaller tanks. They will often hide in crevices or burrow into the substrate, emerging primarily at night to hunt. They are shy creatures and do not typically interact aggressively with other tank inhabitants unless they feel threatened or stressed. It’s important to provide plenty of hiding places and territories to help reduce stress and prevent aggression.
Experience Level:
Due to their specific care requirements, Ribbon Eels are best suited for experienced aquarium hobbyists. They can be challenging to care for due to their picky eating habits, their tendency to hide, and their need for a stable and well-maintained environment. Beginner aquarists may find them difficult to keep alive in captivity. It is crucial to provide a tank with stable water conditions and a proper diet to ensure their health.
Water Parameters:
To thrive, Ribbon Eels require specific water conditions:
Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
Salinity: 1.022–1.025 SG (specific gravity)
pH: 8.1-8.4 (slightly alkaline)
Water hardness: 8-12 dGH
Filtration: Strong filtration with good water circulation is essential for maintaining water quality.
Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons (about 280 liters) for a single Ribbon Eel, as they can grow quite long (up to 39 inches / 1 meter).
Additionally, the tank should have plenty of hiding spots such as rocks, caves, and crevices for the eel to retreat to when it feels threatened. The substrate should be fine sand or smooth gravel, as Ribbon Eels tend to burrow into the sand.