Blue ribbon eels

180galreef · Dec 15, 2014

I am looking at getting a blue ribbon eel, do any of you have experienced? I know they can be hard to get to eat, I have hatched cat sharks and no problem with them so I should be ok with that. I have a 210 with plenty of LR so I'm ok there, just curious if there is any other tips or tricks you have learned along the way? Other than the obvious " make sure you have a tight lid".

tyler1503 · Dec 15, 2014

I had a black one in my care at one stage and when my had was in the water he would swim over and "sniff" me for lack of a better word. I used to hand feed him so I assume he was looking for food. Be careful of that, not all of them will be as docile as this one was.
I've read they are more likely to eat when there are other fish around. Supposedly it's supposed to mimic a feeding frenzy type situation and the eel will more than likely join in. I don't know how true this is though.
There is a very long and detailed thread on another site that should be pretty easy to find with a google search. It has a lot of useful information in it. I believe it was on RC but I could be mistaken.
Good luck!

NanaReefer · Dec 15, 2014

Getting them to eat is all I can think of. Make sure to share pics if/when you get one. Freaking most beautiful Eel for sure!

180galreef · Dec 15, 2014

LFS has one ordered so we will see what it looks like when it comes in. I also told them to bring in a few dozen ghost shrimp to help jump start eating.

NanaReefer · Dec 16, 2014

Sounds like a good plan. Nice size tank you have for him too! Wishing you both the best for sure :)

180galreef · Dec 17, 2014

Thank you, I guess I should work on catching the mandarin and moving it to another tank. He's big but they are both bottom dwellers sooooo.

NanaReefer · Dec 17, 2014

Good idea :)

tyler1503 · Dec 17, 2014

180galreef said:
Thank you, I guess I should work on catching the mandarin and moving it to another tank. He's big but they are both bottom dwellers sooooo.

Good idea :) That mandarin would turn into a quick lunch.
Good luck with him!
I've always wondered why we don't see female ribbon eels in the hobby.