Zebra Moray / Live Rock question

[SkinnyPete]

I’m working on closing a deal for a used 75 gallon system. I plan on a [acronym:6e702169b6="Fish only with live rock"]FOWLR[/acronym:6e702169b6] set-up. I’m not 100% sure what I want as far as livestock goes except for one thing… I have always loved Zebra Morays and have never owned one. I’ve owned a snowflake and have always wanted a Zebra. Anyway, Can someone give me some cons to this eel in my [acronym:6e702169b6="Fish only with live rock"]FOWLR[/acronym:6e702169b6] tank? I know people have said they do well in a reef-like environment, but to be cautious. Basically, I really want some nice live rock and some cool hitchhikers would be great – but, a Zebra is top priority and was curious what I’ll have to sacrifice. Are there any pros to having this species in a set-up with [acronym:6e702169b6="Live rock"]lr[/acronym:6e702169b6] (do they eat pests – mantis shrimp and the like)? And of course – is a 75 gallon enough room for a Zebra as long as I don’t overstock with other fish and have a skimmer?


Thanks. You guys rule the school. Love this site.

- Petious Skinnious

[Fluff]

Well, the zebra moray can get almost 5' long so I say it would eventually outgrow a 75 [acronym:bd99ef582e="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:bd99ef582e] tank. Live rock is a good idea, they will eat some of your hitchhikers. I have a banded eel that ate a mantis so...
As for cons, I don't see any cons if this is what you want. You state you've had an eel before so you already know how reclusive they are.

Hopefully Hara will see your thread and chime in. She has some eels and can better tell you what you need to do tank wise.

[SkinnyPete]

Thanks.

I've also owned a banded. Big Moray fan.

See, I've read that Zebra's usually max out at 3' in captivity, which is why I thought I could get away with a 75 [acronym:cdb2554bde="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:cdb2554bde]. Would it help, space-wise, if I forgot about the live rock and just kept it a [acronym:cdb2554bde="Fish only"]FO[/acronym:cdb2554bde] tank with Zebra and I few other fish?

Thanks all.

[Fluff]

I think the moray would appreciate the live rock. And it will help with filtration. The only filtration I have on my eel tank is [acronym:e82f0a34fb="Live rock"]LR[/acronym:e82f0a34fb] and [acronym:e82f0a34fb="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]PH[/acronym:e82f0a34fb]'s. I did a quick search for the zebra moray and everything I've found says they get 4'9"-4'11". The only eel that I know of that stays around 3" is the snowflake. That's not saying their isn't more, just saying that's the only one I know of. I know my banded will eventually get 4'. He's just a youngster, around 1' right now.

http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/living_spe...b=10&inhab=412

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...cfm?pCatId=136

[Tito2491]

I just got a snowflake , what do u keep it with ? how big is the tank? is it docile?

[SkinnyPete]

Snowflakes are all different...some don't even bother fish, some pick them off like a kid in a candy store. You can play it safe and just make sure the snowflake's tank mates are bigger than the snowflake's mouth (and remember, if your eel is a youngster, his mouth will get bigger). He shouldn't go after any fish that he can't swallow - don't attempt crabs or shrimp. They'll become a quick meal.

I wouldn't characterize a snowflake eel as "docile" but as long as you keep him fed and don't throw him in the tank with damsels or clowns, you should be okay for the most part. Some can even live WITH damsels or clowns so its a matter of your particular eel I guess.

- Skinny

[Tito2491]

Thanx For The Info,I got my snowflake with 2 damsels a tomato clown and a royal gramma , and so far he is peaceful as long as i keep him fed with the silversides i bought him.

[jmmiller]

Why wouldnt you keep a snowflake with damsels and clowns? I have mine with 2 damsels and a maroon and he is doing fine so far.

[seaham358]

SF eels are not big fish eaters, they are more of a shrimp eater. There teeth are different the other eels. Not saying if under fed the eel won't eat a fish.
I have had my SFE with 2 perc clowns when they were small and he has not bothered them. Also have a purple psudochromis that swims in the holes with the eel looking for his left over food and he has been around for over a year now. I also have about 12 crabs and snails in with them, no issues. Eel is about 1.5' long now. the zebra eel

[SkinnyPete]

Agreed - they are not going to pick off your tank, but they absolutely have been known to take a fish. I lost a clown to mine. They are, for the most part, going to leave them alone. I'm just saying, if hungry, and if he can fit a fish in his mouth - depending on the eel - be prepared that you may lose a small fish. That's my experience anyway.

- Skins