Understanding the Snowflake Eel: Key Facts

5 min read
Updated on: May 21, 2024
Understanding the Snowflake Eel: Key Facts

Thinking about getting a snowflake eel? These stunning saltwater fish (also known as snowflake morays) are hardy, eye-catching, and surprisingly beginner-friendly — but only if you’re well-prepared.

We’ve kept snowflake eels ourselves, and while they’re not the most demanding fish out there, they do require a serious setup and some know-how. Here’s what you need to know before bringing one home.


What Makes Snowflake Eels Unique?

First off, snowflake eels are true characters. They’re bottom-dwelling, nocturnal, and love to wedge themselves into rocky caves. Visually, they’re striking — cream-colored bodies with black and yellow blotches that look a bit like inkblots (we always thought “Rorschach eel” would’ve been a perfect nickname).

They come from the Indo-Pacific, so they’re used to warm, salty waters and reef-like environments. As adults, they can grow up to 24 inches (around 60 cm), which means space is non-negotiable.

Despite being carnivores with a mouthful of teeth, snowflake eels are some of the less aggressive morays. That doesn’t mean they’re harmless, though — keep your hands out of the tank, especially around feeding time.


Setting Up the Right Tank

This is where most of the work (and budget) goes. A young eel might be okay in a 20-gallon tank, but you’ll need to size up fast. A 75-gallon tank (or larger) is ideal for a full-grown eel, especially if you plan to add tankmates.

Some key setup tips from our own experience:


Feeding Time

Feeding your eel can be both fun and a bit nerve-wracking. They don’t see well and rely on smell, so they can be a bit clumsy — or enthusiastic — at mealtime.

What they eat:

What to avoid:

Feed them 2–3 times a week, usually in the evening. Don’t panic if they skip a meal or two — it’s pretty normal. Some even go into short periods of fasting or “hibernation.” If it lasts too long, check in with your vet.


Tankmates: Who’s Safe?

Snowflake eels can cohabitate with the right fish and invertebrates, as long as everyone has enough space and food.

Good companions:

Not safe:

If you want to keep more than one snowflake eel, introduce them at the same time, make sure they’re similar in size, and provide plenty of hiding spots.


Water Quality Essentials

For a healthy snowflake eel, your tank water needs to stay within these ranges:

Keep a regular maintenance schedule and test your water often, especially after feeding or adding new tankmates.


Health & Vet Care

Yes, fish vets exist — and if this is your first fish, it’s worth finding one nearby just in case. Most snowflake eels are hardy, but keep an eye out for signs like:

We recommend having a secure transport container ready, just in case you need to bring your eel in for a checkup. A sturdy plastic tub with a tight lid works better than a bag for larger eels.


Final Thoughts

Snowflake eels aren’t your average pet fish. They’re big, bold, and need a well-planned tank — but if you’re ready to commit, they’re also incredibly rewarding to keep.

They’re not cuddly, but they have personality. Watching ours slither out of their caves at night or snag a piece of shrimp with that lightning-fast strike still amazes us, even years later.

If you’ve got the space, budget, and curiosity, a snowflake eel might just be the underwater companion you didn’t know you needed.

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