snowflake eel - behaivor?

[beckysamotis]

I have a new addition to my 55 gallon reef tank...a 8" snowflake eel... he was introduced 5 days ago... he immediately took over a large cave in my liverock, and although my 3 damsel fish are trying to scare him out, he has remained there... well, he hasn't been coming out, even to eat. I can see him laying on the sandbed inside the cave, and he always looks dead (which I know he's not, he does stick his head out every once in awhile)... Also, his mouth is always opening and closing, like he is having trouble breathing. Can someone please tell me if this is normal behaivor for an eel. Thank you, Becky

 

[sammystingray]

Eels do hide almost constantly, and they do NORMALLY open their mouth to breathe. Many folks think they are waiting for food to swim by when they sit with their mouth open, but it is in fact to breathe. They have to open and close their mouth to pump water over their gills......I have a zebra moray.....love it, does the same thing....post in the aggressive forum for better eel info.

 

[sammystingray]

What are you trying to feed him? They eat crustaceans. Have you tried shrimp?

 

[sammystingray]

Actually, you seem new to eels, so I'll tell you......they move very little most of the time, and since they burn no energy, they eat little.....twice a week tops....not something you feed everyday. ALWAYS ask what the store is feeding when you buy something....do you know what they were feeding it? The eel will be the hardiest thing in your reef tank if he gets through the first few days and eats.......I tried it before,,, didn't work out with an eel in a reef.

 

[beckysamotis]

The store was feeding him dried shrimp, which I bought tons of and have been offering to him daily. I also put some guppies in for my puffer, but have since learned that eels wont chase for food in the tank (which is ok w/ me)... the pet store told me that he actually was taking the shrimp out of their hand and were not using a feeder stick. What went wrong w/ the eel in your reef tank? was it to destructive? And since he is in a reef tank now, what crustaceons can live in harmony w/ him? All I have now are red and blue leg hermits, but wanted to get a coral banded shrimp or arrow crab, and a sally lightfoot. Thanks for all the help!

 

[beanie]

I TOTALY SECOND THAT, i have two eels in my reef, and CANT PUT ANYTHING IN.... I have been trying effortlessly for a week to fish them out with out moving my rock... I hate myself. never should have added them.