Black Ribbon Eel

A great Black Ribbon Eel!
Origin: Eastern Asia

Size info:
Size L: approx. 12 - 17"

There's a fish called the black ribbon eel,
A sight that will surely appeal,
With a body so sleek,
It's quite a unique,
And its sharp teeth could give you quite a feel.

This eel has a really long snout,
Its mouth can stretch way out,
With eyes set on top,
It'll always on the lookout,
For prey it can catch and make shout.

And did you know it can change color,
Being yellow or black, with no bother,
When it's young and small,
It has a bright blue call,
But grows up to be a fearsome monster.

So when you're diving in the deep,
And the black ribbon eel comes into sight,
Enjoy the beauty and keep,
A respectful distance with all your might.

Keeping Black Ribbon Eels (Rhinomuraena quaesita) in an Aquarium

The Black Ribbon Eel, also known as the Ribbon Eel or the Blue Ribbon Eel, is a fascinating and visually striking fish that can be kept in a home aquarium under the right conditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Size: Black Ribbon Eels can grow up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length, but juveniles can be purchased at around 30 centimeters (12 inches).
• Aquarium size: A 200 liter (50 gallon) aquarium is sufficient for a juvenile Black Ribbon Eel, but as they grow they will require larger tanks.
• Tank setup: A sandy substrate is recommended, as they like to bury their bodies in the sand. Black Ribbon Eels also appreciate hiding places like rock formations and PVC pipes.
• Water parameters: The water should be kept at a temperature between 23-27°C (73-81°F) and a pH between 8.1-8.4. A salinity level of 1.020-1.026 is also important.
• Diet: Black Ribbon Eels are carnivorous and feed on small fish, crustaceans, and squid. Frozen or live food can be given.
• Behavior: Black Ribbon Eels are not aggressive, but may become territorial if they feel threatened. They are also known for their unique hunting behavior in which they extend their jaw and swim backwards to catch prey.

One of the coolest things about the Black Ribbon Eel is its appearance. They have a long, slender, black body with a bright yellow dorsal fin and ugly, bulbous nostrils. Juvenile Black Ribbon Eels are actually a bright blue color and will eventually change to black as they mature. They are also known for their ability to change their gender from female to male, a process known as sequential hermaphroditism.

Overall, the Black Ribbon Eel is a unique and visually stunning addition to any aquarium, as long as proper care is taken to provide a suitable environment for them.