White Ribbon Eel

• Care Level Moderate
• Temperament Semi-aggressive
• Diet Carnivore
• Reef Compatible With Caution
• Max. Size 3' 4"
• Minimum Tank Size 50 gallons

The Ghost Eel is also referred to as the White Ribbon Eel, and is a close relative to the Blue and Black Ribbon Eel of the genus Rhinomuraena. They are very cryptic in nature, and are rarely encountered by divers during the day, but can be seen on night dives. They are very long and slender eels attaining 40 inches in length. Their body is mostly white in color with black spots covering the head and face, with long nostrils protruding from the nose. Their body color may darken with age taking on a light brown coloration.

Although easier to maintain and get to feed than the Black or Blue Ribbon Eel, these fish can be difficult to feed initially. They can easily escape out of smallest space from the aquarium. A 50-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for cover, and a tightly fit canopy is ideal. Most of the eels that are lost in an aquarium are due to poorly sealed tanks.

The Ghost Eel is safe to house with most fish that cannot fit into the eels mouth. Overly active, territorial, or aggressive fish should be avoided as potential tankmates, as they will oftentimes pick on the ribbon like tail of the Ghost Eel. Additionally, more pugnacious fish will make it very challenging to feed the eel properly. It can be housed with invertebrates such as soft corals, polyps, mushrooms, and filter feeders. These fishes prey on small crustaceans in the wild, so avoid small shrimp which will quickly be consumed by the eel.

The Ghost Eel is a nocturnal predator, ambushing small fish and crustaceans. In the aquarium, it may have to be offered live foods such as ghost shrimp at first, but in time, will take frozen or freeze-dried krill, strips of fresh fish, fresh uncooked shrimp chunks, and other meaty foods. It can be taught to hand feed, using a feeding stick.