Blue Ribbon Eel (Ribbon Moray Eel) – LiveAquaria
The Ribbon Eel, or Ribbon Moray Eel, has unique characteristics including a long “ribbon-like” body, delicate jaws, and tubular anterior nostrils capped with an elaborate fan-like expansion.
The colors of this eel can vary dramatically as it grows in length. The juvenile is jet-black with a yellow dorsal fin. When it reaches 25-32 inches in length, it transforms into a male and will become bright blue with a yellow snout and lower jaw. As it grows to 33 inches or more, it transforms into a female and becomes entirely yellow or yellow-blue.
Living Conditions
The Ribbon Eel should be kept in a 100-gallon or larger aquarium with a deep (4-5 inch) sandy bottom under which it can live and hide. Its refuge may be a cave, man-made corals, or a buried PVC pipe.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size (Juvenile) | Up to 25 inches |
| Size (Adult Male) | 25-32 inches |
| Size (Adult Female) | 33 inches or more |
| Color (Juvenile) | Jet-black with yellow dorsal fin |
| Color (Adult Male) | Bright blue with yellow snout and lower jaw |
| Color (Adult Female) | Entirely yellow or yellow-blue |
FAQ
What is the minimum tank size required for a Blue Ribbon Eel?
A 100-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended to provide adequate space and hiding areas.
Does the color of the Ribbon Eel change as it matures?
Yes, the color changes with age and sex. Juveniles are jet-black with a yellow dorsal fin. Males turn bright blue with a yellow snout and lower jaw at 25-32 inches. Females become entirely yellow or yellow-blue when reaching 33 inches or more.
What kind of substrate and hiding spots does the Ribbon Eel prefer?
It prefers a deep (4-5 inch) sandy bottom and hiding spots such as caves, man-made corals, or buried PVC pipes.
Fiona King –
The eel has been thriving in our 150-gallon tank for over six months. It’s active during the day and hides in the sand when not moving. The color change from black to blue was noticeable after a few months. We provide a sandy bottom and a few caves for it to hide in. Very calm and not aggressive toward other fish.
Joshua King –
We bought this eel for our marine setup and it has adapted well. It’s a bit shy at first but now spends most of its time in the sand. The color shift from juvenile to adult male is clear. We recommend a deep sand bed and plenty of hiding spots.
Matt Martin –
The eel has grown steadily since we added it. It’s now about 30 inches and shows signs of turning into a female. The tank setup with sand and a PVC pipe has worked well. It’s not overly active but seems content in its environment.