Snowflake Eel Fish

The Snowflake Eel, *Echidna nebulosa*, is a captivating and popular moray eel for the home aquarium. Its striking pattern of black and white blotches resembles a snowflake, giving it its common name. This hardy and relatively docile moray is an excellent choice for hobbyists looking for an interesting and active predator.

A minimum tank size of 50 gallons is recommended for a single Snowflake Eel, with larger tanks preferred for multiple specimens or tank mates. The aquarium should have a secure lid as these eels are known escape artists. Provide plenty of live rock and PVC pipes to create ample hiding places and crevices for the eel to explore and rest in. While generally peaceful towards fish they cannot swallow, they will readily consume crustaceans and smaller fish. Therefore, tank mates should be chosen carefully and be significantly larger than the eel’s mouth.

In the home aquarium, the Snowflake Eel can reach a size of up to 24 inches. They are carnivorous and their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods such as frozen or fresh fish, shrimp, squid, and krill. Offer food using a feeding stick to avoid being bitten. Feed them two to three times per week.

There are no known visual differences between male and female Snowflake Eels, and breeding in captivity is extremely rare.