Aggression amongst eels?
- Thread starter Duke4life
- Start date
I've had several species (with multiple species per tank) and a friend used to as well.
In general, morays aren't really aggressive - just predatory. If it's not bothering them and they can't eat it, they usually leave it alone. There are of course exceptions - any individual fish can be an exception, and some species are generally nasty.
Gymnothorax moringa might be the most aggressive fish I've ever seen. Definitely recommend avoiding this one. They're not "commonly" found in the hobby, though when they are found, they're usually cheap and this is why. They will harass everything, regardless of size - including your hands, and they're not above coming out of the water to do it.
G. eurostus (in my experience) has somewhat similar temperament, though not quite as extreme.
The Caribbean/Atlantic Muraena species aren't *generally* aggressive (are more so than most species, though) but they don't particularly like anything with similar patterning. I had to get rid of a M. pavonina because it was going after my Whitemouth (left everything else alone), and the recipient of that one had to pass it along too when he got a M. melanotis and the two didn't get along.
Other than the above, as long as there's plenty of room, I would expect most morays that don't look like each other and can't eat each other to get along fine. Some don't even seem to care about same/similar species - not personal experience, but I've heard of people keeping multiples of G. miliaris or the various Echidna species with no issues.
In general, morays aren't really aggressive - just predatory. If it's not bothering them and they can't eat it, they usually leave it alone. There are of course exceptions - any individual fish can be an exception, and some species are generally nasty.
Gymnothorax moringa might be the most aggressive fish I've ever seen. Definitely recommend avoiding this one. They're not "commonly" found in the hobby, though when they are found, they're usually cheap and this is why. They will harass everything, regardless of size - including your hands, and they're not above coming out of the water to do it.
G. eurostus (in my experience) has somewhat similar temperament, though not quite as extreme.
The Caribbean/Atlantic Muraena species aren't *generally* aggressive (are more so than most species, though) but they don't particularly like anything with similar patterning. I had to get rid of a M. pavonina because it was going after my Whitemouth (left everything else alone), and the recipient of that one had to pass it along too when he got a M. melanotis and the two didn't get along.
Other than the above, as long as there's plenty of room, I would expect most morays that don't look like each other and can't eat each other to get along fine. Some don't even seem to care about same/similar species - not personal experience, but I've heard of people keeping multiples of G. miliaris or the various Echidna species with no issues.
Moderate chasing (more like "kind of following) and the occasional mouthing is fairly normal. Aggressive pursuit/posturing might be more of a concern.
I've never kept snowflakes or more than 1 zebra. I've read accounts of people doing so with no issues as long as they had larger tanks. Most of my own experience is interaction between different species.
I've never kept snowflakes or more than 1 zebra. I've read accounts of people doing so with no issues as long as they had larger tanks. Most of my own experience is interaction between different species.
Megistos is right on with his info. I will add that eels can and will try to eat another eel of their own size if they get into a feeding frenzy or fight. I have seen it with eels that have lived for years in captivity together. You just have to understand it is possible, and if you want to mix eels- do it with less expensive/aggressive ones. And dont be lulled into complacency when feeding- always be alert.
And I love Moringa morays! You havent lived until you`ve had a big one on the carpet snapping at your feet!
And I love Moringa morays! You havent lived until you`ve had a big one on the carpet snapping at your feet!
Do you know what is causing this?
Do you know what is causing this?
I hope I'm not stepping outta bounds by doing this but there are several of you all who have a wealth of knowledge, not sure who browses what. Thought the more eyes that see this other thread the better. Typically you can find pictures of everything or at least symptoms listed.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2512488
Do you know what is causing this?
I hope I'm not stepping outta bounds by doing this but there are several of you all who have a wealth of knowledge, not sure who browses what. Thought the more eyes that see this other thread the better. Typically you can find pictures of everything or at least symptoms listed.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2512488
I've noticed different types of food create a different reaction. Frozen squid seems to get more of a missile attack, while krill, shrimp, or clam gets a more calm leisurely grab.
The eel twitch as it's called is a bit trippy
Totally cool to do this. I dont browse threads, but try to answer email questions I get. I randomly saw this thread and replied,and thus have been checking to see whats going on with it. Without this prompt I would not have looked for the other thread.
ANd as to your post about different foods and feeding responses-very true. Like every animal, they have favorites! But still dont become complacent!
As long as you can keep them in the tank, they're about the easiest saltwater fish to keep.
Most will not bother any fish that they can't eat. They don't need to eat that often (about every week or two as adults is good, and they can survive several months without eating). They very rarely get sick or have debilitating parasites. Water quality has to be so bad as to kill off virtually all tankmates before it really affects them.
Really all you need to do is keep the tank covered and filtered. Feed once in awhile, and always know where they are if your hands are in the tank (pro tip: feed before maintenance). Choose their tankmates well - if you have to ask if something will be eaten, it probably will be.
Also re: feeding, they'll eat you out of house and home if you just feed commercial foods. You can feed them much cheaper (and better, IMO) with raw seafoods from the grocery store. I get squid, octopus, shrimp and various fishes from the local Asian market and they love it.
Most will not bother any fish that they can't eat. They don't need to eat that often (about every week or two as adults is good, and they can survive several months without eating). They very rarely get sick or have debilitating parasites. Water quality has to be so bad as to kill off virtually all tankmates before it really affects them.
Really all you need to do is keep the tank covered and filtered. Feed once in awhile, and always know where they are if your hands are in the tank (pro tip: feed before maintenance). Choose their tankmates well - if you have to ask if something will be eaten, it probably will be.
Also re: feeding, they'll eat you out of house and home if you just feed commercial foods. You can feed them much cheaper (and better, IMO) with raw seafoods from the grocery store. I get squid, octopus, shrimp and various fishes from the local Asian market and they love it.
Kyuss
Megistered Rember
+1, I've had my chainlink for a bit over a year and he still eats like a pig every day (maybe misses 2 or 3 days a month at most.) I'd be spending more money on food for him than me if I fed him strictly foods from the LFS.
