Ribbon eel

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iRibbon eel

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Anguilliformes
Family:	Muraenidae
Genus:	Rhinomuraena
Species:	R. quaesita

Binomial name

Rhinomuraena quaesita
(Garman, 1881)

The ribbon eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita, is a species of saltwater eels, the only member of the genus Rhinomuraena of the Muraenidae (Moray eel) family of order Anguilliformes. What is now known as Rhinomuraena quaesita also includes the former Rhinomuraena amboinensis. R. quaesita was used for blue ribbon eels and R. amboinensis for black ribbon eels, but these are now recognized as the same species. The ribbon eel is native to the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The ribbon eel is an elegant creature with a long, thin body and high dorsal fins. Many feel that it resembles a brightly colored party streamer. The ribbon eel can easily be recognised by its expanded anterior nostrils. Juveniles and sub-adults are jet black with a yellow dorsal fin, while females are yellow with a black anal fin with white margins on the fins. The adult male can be black, fluorescent blue with yellow highlights, blue-green, or brilliant yellow.

The ribbon eel grows to an overall length of approximately 100 cm (36 in), and has a life span of up to twenty years. The ribbon eel is the only moray eel that is not gonochoristic.

[edit] Behavior

Like many eels, the ribbon eel is sometimes thought to be angry or aggressive, because its mouth is often open, appearing ready to strike. In reality, the eel is simply breathing.

In the wild, the ribbon eel buries itself in sand or hides in rocks or reefs, dashing out to feed on small fishes. The ribbon eel is known as one of the most sociable and peaceful of all moray eels, and does not bother humans or get easily irritated. As the eel grows and gets older, it changes sex from a male to a female.

[edit] In the aquarium

It is estimated that greater than 99% of ribbon eels do not live more than a month in captivity. Ribbon eels have been observed in nearly every case to stop eating after being captured.

Purchasing an animal of this species may be unwise, as it is extremely unlikely that the eel has continued eating since capture. It is always best to see it actually eat something while in captivity. Fish sellers have been known to hide or lie about the fact that the animal no longer eats. Some feel that this species should never be purchased under any circumstance, as when the demand dries up, these eels will no longer be caught and put up for sale. Capturing 100 of these animals to get one pet is not sustainable or ethical.