Eels

[azonic]

I was wondering if there are any reef safe eels that can fit in a 38 gallon. My LFS told me a blue and/or black ribbon eel would be perfect for it because all it does it burrow into the sand and pole his head out for the most part. He had one in a display reef at the store and he said it did fine...he then sold the whole thing as a package with the eel included...anyone have any experiences with this? Please just dont say eels arent reef safe or your tank is too small, ive heard that 100 times, just wondering if anyone has tried it? I had given up on the idea until recently since i saw the eel at the LFS. Anyway hope someone can shed some more light for me. sorry this is so long winded <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />

 

[musipilot]

I think "reef safe" and "eel" are mutually exclusive. Eels don't see well, they smell food, and anything that comes near its mouth it takes a shot at.

 

[shootonsite]

A black or blue ribbon eel may seem to be better suited for a reef because of their size. With the information given to you by your LFS, you'd think that any eel would be fine since they all would just stay burrowed with their head sticking out. The problem is when nightime or feeding time comes. The movement and activity of an eel can move around lr, corals, etc. That's not what you want happening in a reef. The bulkier sized eels are a no-no, but even a skinny ribbon eel has the strength to move rocks so I would advise against it. Two-sides to every coin. The hardiness of eels make them an attractive addition. They're impossible to kill in a tank no matter what the conditions are. They're just not suitable for every system. Just be wary of the salesman.

 

[watcher]

wait a minute, blue and black ribbon eels are one of the most difficult eels to keep. You basically have to shove food down there throat for them to eat. I'd say about 98% of die within a year of captivity

 

[bigred]

Eels aren't impossible to kill. My anemone killed my snowflake eel.