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Banded Snake Eel

Harlequin Eel Family: Ophichthidae

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Myrichthys colubrinus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   Don't let this one get lost in the gravel! The Banded Snake Eel or Harlequin Eel like to bury themselves in the gravel with only their head poking out so don't forget to seek it out and feed it every so often.

Check out an in-depth discussion of the Banded Snake Eel in the...
Fish & Chips newsletter:
Banded Snake Eel - Elizabeth M. Lukan 7/22/99

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Maintenance:
   Feed all kinds of live fish and meaty foods. Use a poker if necessary at first to place the food right in front of their mouth. Don't worry if it doesn't eat for a while at first, they can go for several weeks without food (and often do).

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   Banded Snake Eel or Harlequin Eel are found in the Indo-Pacific.

Foods:
   They feed mainly on small fishes in the wild with an occasional invertebrate.

Social Behaviors:
   Sociable and peaceful, can be considered a community fish as long as the tankmates are not small enough to eat!

Sex: Sexual differences:
   Unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Not accomplished in captivity.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Temperature:
   No special requirements. Normal temperatures for marine fish is between 74 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Banded Snake Eel or Harlequin Eel adults can grow to 75 cm (30 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 60 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   No special requirements.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   Will generally stay in the bottom of the aquarium. Will bury themselves in the gravel with only their heads sticking out.

Availability:
   This fish is available from time to time.

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Latest Comments
It's really a cool pet but I am a bit worried because he hasn't eaten yet. I tried to feed him but he ignores the food that I am giving, instead he tries to escape, pretty sneaky. He is already 20 inches long and one finger thick. japs 2008-04-08
We "inherited" one when a friend moved. He disappears for days at a time, then shows up early in the am. He moves very quickly and I have never been able to catch him to get him out of harms way when I clean the tank, so I just hope for the best. The family who had him before thought he was like an algae eater, but I think he tends to eat my smaller fish and debris on the bottom of the tank. I've never fed him, at least on purpose. eel-keeper 2007-08-13
Just got one a few days ago in VA, USA for $40. Thought he died or something as he just disappeared for several days. Then one morning I saw his head poking through sand in front of the tank. He has ended up in the sump cavity on the back of my tank once. I don't really have a way to cover most of the tank because of the refugium and powerheads so i hope he doesn't bail out. I may glue some googly eyes on him if he does, kek! These guys go pretty deep in the sand so they may disturb a deep sand bed if you depend on one. It's been a week and he hasn't eaten yet. bluecrabber 2007-04-13
keep your tank covered as these guys have the tendency to sneak out at night, krill is a good choice for a food, i have one that will eat krill out of my hand, really cool... kyle 2006-06-16
I JUST WAS LOOKING AT ONE OF THESE GUYS TODAY AT PETCO,THEY ARE INTERESTING TO WATCH! THEY ARE GOOD ESCAPE ARTISTS, SO KEEP YOUR TOP TIGHT FITTING. john 2006-05-05

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Author: David Brough. CFS.