guaging interest: Black Ribbon Eel

[jawwad2004]

I just saw this fish at Fish Town and I just have to have it. I did some research on it and it says that it can be put in a reef tank, but will probably eat shrimps. Does anybody and experience with these eels?

 

[marrone]

Ribbon eels are very hard to keep. They usually don't eat and need to be kept in escape proof tanks. As for being reef safe they will not bother fish, unless they're very small and can fit in their mouths, and will usually leave alone most inverts, though they will get ghost shrimp and small inverts.

The Black color phase is the Juv color of the eel and soon, if it lives long enough, will turn into the blue color of the adult.

Unless you see the eel eating, and can provide it with a very secure tank, it's best to pass on all ribbon eels. Also don't go by the LFS telling you that they have had to eel for weeks and it must be eating some thing or else it would have died by now. Most eels can go months without eating, unlike most fish, and still look fine.

 

[jhale]

Jawwad ribbon eels are a no go, unless your going to provide a specific tank for them, and happen to get one that eats as marrone stated.

they will get out the smallest of holes including the overflows.

 

[masterswimmer]

I was at my suppliers last week. They have lots of them (none ever come home with me btw). While I was standing next to the tank with the ribbon eels, looking at some sweet Anthias, one of the ribbons decided to go carpet surfing, right onto my foot. Startled the bejeezus outta me.
So yes, they are akin to the flying fish! :lol2:

swimmer

 

[jawwad2004]

It does sound risky to get them. But the ones in fish town were eating silversides out of the guys hands.