Dragon Moray

[tjswanson]

I'm looking to maybe get an ell for my 125g tank. I was looking at a Dragon Moray (Enchelycore paradalis). Anybody here have any experience w/ this fish. The two books I have say they make an interesting aquarium fish and that they are hardy, but expensive. And if that wouldn't work what other eel should I look into? TJ

 

[grouperhead]

they get bigger than 32". they are mean as hell and expensive as hell. im not sure if i would pay 500+ bucks for an eel, but thats just me. they are definatley super cool though. as for tank mates large triggers, groupers, puffers, and lions might work. some say nothin will go with them, but i bet and undulate or big clown trigger would work nicely. a large agressive grouper like a miniatus would probably work as well. do a search at google.com and you should find some good stuff on them. if you do get one keep us updated on him im really interested about this.... bo

 

[tjswanson]

!WOW! 500$$$$$..... I was over hearing my LFS guys and they said they can get them whole sale for 80$. If they are really that expensive I won't be getting one.... TJ

 

[grouperhead]

yeah they had a great looking mexican dragan a.k.a gold head moray for 75 bucks not too long ago. i was really tempted into getting him, but i couldnt find any info on him so i got the snowflake. i really like the goldhead. bo

 

[skirk]

I highly doubt that even a clown trigger would work. I seen an eel (the honeycomb eel) which is not as agressive as them swallow a 9" lionfish. Who knows though, it may be fast enough to run. Cuz a triggers bite won't stop a dragon eel. That's how I understand it anyways. Eels can take a nasty bite and then just attack there prey. Just my 2cents.
P.S. It was crazy watching a lionfish that large be swallowed whole.

 

[tjswanson]

I think I'm either gonna get a Chestnut moray aka viper moray or a snowflake.. But I'm leaning towards a snowflake since they're SUPPOSE to be nice. TJ

 

[lionfish]

LionFish says......
I strongly urge you to go with the snowflake eel. Even if they are the most mainstream eel in the hobby they are the best for the buck. They are hardy, easy to care for, and overall rather docile compared to most eels. They are cheep so they are easily affordable. Cool fish with interesting habits, so I would think it would be the best choice for you.

 

[damsel in distress]

If you are brave enough to get a dragon eel then i say go for it, if not go for a snowflake.
I was at my lfs the other day and the guy working there was reaching above the tank that held a dragon eel in it to get something and the dang eel came out of the water and bit his hand. They are mean aggressive boogers!!! I have a book that tells me the max. size of these guys and what the minimum size tank is for them and it says that dragon eels maximum length is 31.5 inches long and the minimum tank size is a 55 gallon. (personally i think that is to small of a tank for these guys!) Also, these are major fish eaters and will eat just about anything that fits in its mouth. Good luck, and keep us posted on which one you get!!!!
Jessica