Animal Description:
The Hawaiian Dragon Eel is a more practical eel to keep than many Morays, since it reaches a mature size that is smaller than that of many other members of its family.
Natural predators, Hawaiian Dragons usually hunt at night. They normally do well when kept on a regular schedule of feedings. These eels often lie with their heads in view, open-mouthed. This stance is not intended to make the Hawaiian Dragon appear threatening or frightening. Rather, this eel has a curved bottom jaw that prevents the mouth from closing completely, and it must have its mouth open to breathe. Hawaiian Dragon Eels generally should not be kept with fish or crustaceans that can fit into their mouths. They are considered to be reef safe by some, though others dispute this. If you do plan to keep your Hawaiian Dragon in a reef environment, you should be sure it is not nipping at other inhabitants; and its tank mates should be large enough that the Hawaiian Dragon cannot eat them (or want to try to). Provide plenty of hiding places. Marine aquarists seem to consider keeping a Hawaiian Dragon in an aquarium with other larger, predatory species of fish, to be more appropriate than keeping one in a reef environment. Although many Hawaiian Dragons are best kept alone, some may be kept as mated pairs. The aquarium for a Hawaiian Dragon eel must have a tightly locking lid, or the eel may escape. Although generally considered to be shy, some Hawaiian Dragon eels will reward their keepers by remaining out in the open, in full view, once they are accustomed to their surroundings.
A mature Hawaiian Dragon Eel normally reaches a mature length of about 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters). The lovely spotted color pattern on these eels gives them one of their common names, Leopard Eel. The small spots are dark, scattered over a lighter base color. As the Hawaiian Dragon matures, it may go through several color phases. Often, the light base color is a creamy white, and spots may be seen in yellow, reddish orange, and black. The head is pointed in shape, and the fleshy nostril protrusions are prominent. The teeth are large and give this eel a fierce appearance.
Native to the Indo Pacific, the Hawaiian Dragon Eel is rarely kept by marine hobbyists due to its scarcity in the wild. Despite this eel's name, it is not common in Hawaii.
Specific Care Information: Relative Care Ease: Average
A single adult Hawaiian Dragon Eel should have an aquarium of at least 55 gallons in size with a tightly locking lid. A regular regime of subdued lighting is recommended, and it may be a good idea to cover the sides and back of your Hawaiian Dragon's aquarium to darken these areas. Temperatures should remain between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius). A pH value between 8.3 and 8.4 is appropriate, with the specific gravity kept between 1.022 and 1.025. Although most Hawaiian Dragons thrive in specific gravities of 1.022 or 1.023, aquariums containing invertebrates should be kept at specific gravities between 1.023 and 1.025, a range that is also acceptable to these eels. Usually, a partial water change should be carried out a day or so after your Hawaiian Dragon eel is fed. Power filters and protein skimmers are important, along with good aeration, since these eels need high quality water. Plenty of hiding places should be provided. The Hawaiian Dragon should not be kept with small fish or crustaceans, which it may eat. It may be kept with other large fish of similar temperament. Hawaiian Dragons should be fed protein rich diets. They should be fed as much as they can eat in a short amount of time, once every week or so. Some may go several weeks at a time without eating. Often, shrimp, fiddler crabs, squid, clams, and feeder fish are offered. Some Hawaiian Dragon eels are difficult to acclimate to captive environments and may not eat for long periods of time. Often, they are started on live prey and, once they are eating, strips of fish or other items are offered on a feeding stick. To choose a Hawaiian Dragon eel at your marine supplier, pick a specimen that is eating, and that shows no abrasions or cuts on its skin. To catch it, avoid using a net, which may damage your eel's delicate skin. Rather, place a fish bag in the water inside the Hawaiian Dragon's aquarium and gently scoot the eel inside with some implement before removing the bag, with a minimum of tank water inside. If you are bitten by a Hawaiian Dragon eel, try not to jerk your hand back, which can tear your flesh more severely due to the backward curving shape of your eel's teeth. When the eel realizes your hand is not food, or that you are not threatening it, it should let go immediately. Clean and disinfect your wound, and keep it covered. If redness or pain persists, you should contact your doctor.