Banded Snake Eel

(Myrichthys colubrinus)

Myrichthys Eels should be added to large well established aquariums with plenty of stable rock work for hiding. Most Eels are nocturnal and hide in cracks and crevices during the day with only there heads sticking out. Myrichthys will also require a very deep sand bed as they will burrow themselves in the sand with only their heads out looking for prey. Do not attempt to hand feed or stick your hand in the aquarium near Eels as they may bite. When feeding use a long handled tool with meaty foods attached waving in front of them as most Eels have poor eye site. Provide a diet of meaty based foods along with live ghost shrimp, Grass shrimp or crabs. Keep only 1 Eel per aquarium as they can be quite aggressive. Provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid, Eels have been known to escape.

The Banded Snake Eel are also known as the Harlequin Snake Eel. Rarely ever seen in the aquarium trade. Banded Snake Eels are quite beautiful with a brown body and white bands. They can grow to almost 36".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium