Snowflake eel
Echidna nebulosa · Muraenidae
Also known as Snowflake moray
Intermediate
The beginner's moray: crustacean-eating, blunt-toothed and remarkably long-lived with a tight lid.
In short: A snowflake eel needs at least 380 L (100 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 380 L (100 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 75 cm (29.5 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Ignores coral; will dislodge rockwork.
- With inverts
- Eats every crustacean.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 380 L (100 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 380 L (100 US gal)
- Aggression
- Bites when hand-feeding; use a stick.
- Feeding
- Twice a week.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 380 L (100 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — shrimp, crab, squid, silversides on a feeding stick.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Reef flats and rubble crevices
- Natural conditions
- Secure lid, caves, strong filtration.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- TangsTriggersLarge angels
- Avoid
- Small fishAll shrimp and crabs
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- No external difference.
- Notes
- Not bred in captivity.
- Common ailments
- Bacterial skin infectionEscaping
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