Finding Tank Mates for a Chestnut Moray

[daneofdanger]

I'm in the process of starting up my first tank, a 120, but it's proving difficult to stock the fish I like, since most of them are predators. It'll have lots of rock crevicas and hiding spaces, as well as a deep substrate for borrowing.
I've recently fallen in love with Chestnut Morays, and read that they're pretty shy and may be kept with other eels, but are prone to canibalism from larger species. My questions are as follows:
[1] First and foremost, do chestnut morays ever show up on the market? I've read that they're a reasonably hardy species, is this correct?
[2] The Chestnut tops out at about 2 feet. Are there any other morays that stay a similar size, are reasonably hardy and will tollerate another eel in the tank?
[3] If they were introduced at the same time would an Orange Toadfish and the Chestnut get along? Or would they just eat each other.
Thanks for your help.

 

[ccampbell57]

Originally Posted by DaneOfDanger
I'm in the process of starting up my first tank, a 120, but it's proving difficult to stock the fish I like, since most of them are predators. It'll have lots of rock crevicas and hiding spaces, as well as a deep substrate for borrowing.
I've recently fallen in love with Chestnut Morays, and read that they're pretty shy and may be kept with other eels, but are prone to canibalism from larger species. My questions are as follows:
[1] First and foremost, do chestnut morays ever show up on the market? I've read that they're a reasonably hardy species, is this correct?
[2] The Chestnut tops out at about 2 feet. Are there any other morays that stay a similar size, are reasonably hardy and will tollerate another eel in the tank?
[3] If they were introduced at the same time would an Orange Toadfish and the Chestnut get along? Or would they just eat each other.
Thanks for your help.
Welcome to the boards Dane! What an addicting hobby you have got yourself into.
Here are some quick and dirty answers to your questions.
[1] First and foremost, do chestnut morays ever show up on the market? I've read that they're a reasonably hardy species, is this correct?
I have never seen one on the market for sale. Some call this the viper as well, minus the distiguishing tail marking. If they are like the rest of the morays, then yes it will be hardy.
[2] The Chestnut tops out at about 2 feet. Are there any other morays that stay a similar size, are reasonably hardy and will tollerate another eel in the tank?
If you are going to have a 120g tank, I would suggest against more than 1 moray. Althought they get to 2feet, they are quite hefty and it could become a problem. The goldentail gets to about 2 feet as well. This MIGHT be acceptable in a 6ft tank.
[3] If they were introduced at the same time would an Orange Toadfish and the Chestnut get along? Or would they just eat each other.
Well this is the classic question. Anything you put in a tank with an eel becomes fair game. Many, MANY people on this board have found out the hard way. Eels need space and may be friendly for a while, but eventually due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time or just cause they are hungary, your other fish will be food.
Hope this helps. Send pics when you are done with your additions