The Blue Ribbon Eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita) is a fascinating and visually striking species known for its vibrant coloration and unique body structure. Its elongated, ribbon-like body is a stunning blue with a bright yellow mouth and dorsal fin, making it a standout in any marine aquarium. The Blue Ribbon Eel undergoes color changes as it matures, starting out as black with a yellow dorsal fin in its juvenile stage and transforming into the iconic blue and yellow in adulthood. Males may even turn completely yellow later in life.
The Blue Ribbon Eel can grow up to 4 feet in length and requires a large tank—at least 125 gallons—with plenty of live rock and sand for burrowing. These eels are shy by nature and prefer tanks with many hiding spaces, as they often remain hidden with just their heads poking out. It's important to create a stable and stress-free environment to encourage them to feel secure.
This species can be challenging to care for due to its specialized feeding requirements. The Blue Ribbon Eel often has difficulty accepting food in captivity, especially when newly introduced, making it a poor choice for beginner aquarists. It prefers live foods such as small fish or crustaceans, though with patience, some individuals can be trained to accept frozen foods like mysis shrimp and silversides.
The Blue Ribbon Eel is generally reef-safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates, but caution should be exercised if housed with small fish, as they may be considered prey.
Quick Stats:
- GENUS: Rhinomuraena
- CARE LVL: Difficult
- TEMPER: Shy/Peaceful
- REEF SAFE: Yes (may prey on small fish)
