Snowflake eel (Echidna nebulosa)

Size: 7-9”

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallon for small to medium specimens. Larger adults need even more space. 

• Cover & Security: A tight-fitting hood is essential the snowflake eels are escape artists and can squeeze through small gaps. 

• Hiding Places: Provide caves, live rock crevices, and tunnels. The eel will spend much of its time hiding, emerging to hunt. 

• Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: ~ 72-78 °F 
   • Salinity: ~ 1.022–1.025 SG 
   • pH & Stability: Maintain typical reef parameters (8.1–8.4 and stable chemistry) 

• Feeding & Diet: Carnivore. Feed a variety of meaty foods including shrimp, crustaceans, fish pieces, squid, etc. Use feeding tongs or sticks; do not hand-feed. 

• Compatibility & Caution:
   • Not safe with crustaceans (shrimp, crabs)  these are natural prey.
   • Generally reef-safe with corals and sessile invertebrates, but be cautious as the eel may displace or damage corals while moving. 
   • Small fishes risk predation if they fit in the eel’s mouth.

• Behavior: Nocturnal and shy at first; often hides until comfortable. Over time, it may venture out more.

• Maintenance Notes: Because they are messy eaters, maintain strong filtration, protein skimming, and frequent water changes.