Golden Dwarf Moray Eel in a reef

[fyre_lp]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to research Golden Dwarf Moray Eels (Gymnothorax melatremus) before I buy. I haven't been able to find very much information on the web.

I am wanting to add one to my 125 reef. My only concerns is that I have several 4 inch maxima clams. I think this eels main diet is crustations. Do you think that such a small eel would harm the clams?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JM68]

Clams aren't crustaceans so i don't think u have anything to worry about.

 

[Gwynhidwy]

As far as I know eels don't bother clams. Things like shrimp, crabs and snails may be on the menu, but not sponges, clams, or corals. Most hungry eels will also go after fish, particularly slow moving and/or bottom dwelling fish.

If I ever get an eel, the golden dwarf is the species that I would choose. From my research they appear to be the least likely eel to cause problems in a reef tank. I think if you have any shrimp, they are the most likely thing that this eel would eat.

 

[fyre_lp]

Much appreciation for your replies.

This Link claims clams are on the diet, but it's the only reference to clam eating I've found. All the others sites I've read make no mention to clams.

I've emailed the diver and he expressed that clams/fish will not be eaten. I just want to make sure because I highly value my beautiful maximas.

 

[Gwynhidwy]

I believe that that link is trying to say that you should feed them clams, such as the type you would buy at the grocery store or seafood market, in pieces. I don't think it means that they will eat ornamental, live clams. I could be wrong, but that is my interpretation. Please post if you get one!

 

[rssjsb]

Someone recently posted about his snowflake eel eating all his clams, so you never know. Everything I've read says it's unlikely, though.

 

[cwoods8]

Got one in my 40 Reef w/ 2 assessors, swissgaurd, pacific candy basslet, blood shrimp, peppermint, (had a crocea but died of other causes)...........he is just so peaceful

Eats silversides right out of my hands...........but is an incredibly cryptic species.


for a reef......this is definatley the way to go!

 

[fyre_lp]

So he never bother the Crocea when it was in there?

I just placed my order. I'm going to give it a try. Should arrive next Wed. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

 

[cwoods8]

never bothered him at all.

ive had two in the last 3 years and both were model citizens......(until i tried to add them together.....always intraspecie aggression:mad2: )

enjoy and know that these guys can be finicky eaters at times......(will go on hunger strikes.....but will should start feeding again)

good luck!

 

[fyre_lp]

I'm grateful for your reply cwoods8. Thanks for posting.

Have any suggestions for preventing escape? I have a euro brace on my tank and I was thinking I would just add some plastic screen to the back of my canopy. I'm hoping the teeth on my calflow are to small for entry.

Thanks again!

 

[John Dawe]

They will eat small fish and shrimp and are very good at escaping, I have 2 in a tank with a dive weight holding the top on. I would not recoment a open tank unless you have at least 4-6 inchs between the water and the top of the tank.

 

[cwoods8]

i will be quite honest with you.......always had these guys with an open top. oh the only problem was with the overflow....mine found his way in there!

In the beginning they were quite inquisitive and looking all over the tank only to get familiar with the surrounding (that's probably the only time you have to worry....just observe)

other than that mine find a hiding place and pretty much stay put

hopefully you have liverock with plenty of holes

let me know how it goes and if you need more advice!

its a pleasure my friend!

 

[cwoods8]

in all honesty........go with the screening and cover as much as you can, observe him and see if he settles.

As long as he stays well fed you won't have to worry about him taking out livestock.

the only fish i have had vanish was a firefish....that was already weakening to begin with.

The other day i had watched a nassarius snail come to his hole and he gently picked the snail up and pushed him away.

 

[fyre_lp]

Just the kind of information I was looking for. Seriously there is not very much info on the web about them.

I have a ton of caves/holes, so I'm sure it'll settle in nicely.

 

[Neptune777]

Mine will eat small live fish if given the chance...but they must be small. I caught him catching and eating my Yashi Goby one morning. So just be aware that even this very small Moray will eat live fish if small enough.

 

[fyre_lp]

Here it is:


Been in since last wed (3/5/08). It's doing good, has eaten several times, and hasn't bothered any livestock.

 

[Gwynhidwy]

Beautiful! May I ask where you got him? I'd love to have one, but can never find one available. Feel free to pm me if you'd rather.

 

[cwoods8]

NIce!!! Hard to get em that color!!

 

[Chaloupa]

GORGEOUS Eel! I just got mine yesterday...he's still hiding in my rocks but he is definitely not that bright! Nice specimen!

 

[RumLad]

My barred Moray ate the peppermint shrimp on day one, and was eyeing the small fish every time he got hungry. I fed him every three days to keep him happy and not looking for other food sources. I will say that they eat a lot, therefore expel a lot of waste. Watch your water parameters as that may bring the downfall of your clam.