Snowflake Moray Eel: My All-Time Favorite Marine Fish Tank Inhabitant
One kind of fish, in particular, has distinguished itself as my all-time favorite among the many different kinds that I’ve had in my aquariums throughout the course of my fishkeeping career.
It’s a Snowflake Moray Eel if you were wondering.
Moray Eels have always had a special fascination for me. Observing their heads as they poked out of their burrows with their jaws moving in a steady repetitive pattern.
When you add the Snowflake Moray’s stunning appearance and confident demeanor to the mix, you end up with an amazing resident for your marine fish tank.
The gorgeous white bodies of these eels are covered with patches of various colors and patterns, making them easily identifiable. You can find these eels in aquarium shops rather often. They can withstand harsh conditions and are seldom harmful to reefs. Simply make sure that the tank does not include any crabs, lobsters, or shrimp since the Snowflake will consume them for food.
They are also quite skilled escapologists, which is something that I can attest to from personal experience.
I remember staying up late watching TV in the room that contained my tank on one particular night. I was aware of their notoriety, so I fitted the tank with a complete hood and used plastic to cover the openings for the heater, filter, and other components in order to keep everyone within the tank. I was watching television when all of a sudden, I had the impression that I saw a flash of light out of the corner of my eye. My first impression was that I must have dreamt it, but after a moment I decided it would be best to look into it.
I searched in the tank, but I couldn’t see my Snowflake Moray. I turned around and looked behind the tank, and sure enough, there he was, writhing about like a snake on the floor. (And, if I tell you that the space between the plastic and the tank hood couldn’t have been more than about 1 inch, but he was able to throw himself perfectly through it!)
I hurriedly fetched my net, and to my good fortune, he slithered straight into it (which was excellent since the last thing I wanted was for an eel to bite my hand at one in the morning!). I put him back in the tank, and he immediately swam to his favorite rock pile, where he continued to live a happy life for another year or two (with no more escape attempts).
Despite their tendency to run away, I will always have a soft spot for Snowflake Morays. In addition to this, they have a ravenous appetite, which makes mealtime a really enjoyable experience. You may see a video of one of them consuming some frozen brine shrimp here…
There is no lack of attractive and fascinating residents that you may add to your marine fish tank if you so want. The Snowflake Moray Eel, on the other hand, has firmly established itself at the pinnacle of my list of favorites.
What is it that you consider being your absolute favorite? We would appreciate it if you would share them in the comment box below.