Black Ribbon Eel

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Black Ribbon Eel Profile

Scientific name: Rhinomuraena quaesita
Common names: Black Ribbon Eel, Ribbon Moray, Ribbon Eel
Adult size: Up to around 100–130 cm, but very slender
Care level: Expert only
Temperament: Shy, secretive, predatory
Reef safe: With caution
Diet: Carnivore
Best for: Mature marine aquariums with experienced keepers

The Black Ribbon Eel is the juvenile/young stage of the Ribbon Moray, known for its long, ribbon-like body, black colouration, yellow dorsal stripe, and distinctive flared nostrils. In the wild, they are usually found hidden in sand, rubble, or reef crevices, often with only the head showing. They naturally feed on small fish.

Aquarium Care

This is a beautiful but difficult species to keep. Many ribbon eels refuse prepared foods when first imported, so they should only be kept by experienced marine hobbyists. A mature, stable system is very important.

Recommended aquarium size:

• Minimum: 300 L for smaller specimens
• Preferred: 500 L+ for long-term care

The tank must have a very tight-fitting lid, as ribbon eels are excellent escape artists and can squeeze through small gaps.

Suggested Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• KH: 8–12 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Keep as low as possible, ideally under 20 ppm

Tank Setup

Provide plenty of hiding spaces. They do best with:

• Deep rockwork caves
• PVC pipe tunnels hidden under rock or sand
• Sandy areas
• Low-stress tank mates
• Gentle to moderate flow
• Dimmer shaded hiding areas

They are often shy at first and may only come out during feeding.

Feeding

Ribbon eels are carnivores and can be difficult to get feeding. Offer food using long feeding tongs or a feeding stick.

Good foods include:

• Silversides
• Lancefish
• Marine fish flesh
• Prawn/shrimp pieces
• Squid
• Mussel
• Clam meat

Feed around 2–3 times per week, depending on body condition. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten meaty foods can quickly pollute the aquarium.

Compatibility

Best kept with peaceful to semi-peaceful fish that are too large to be swallowed.

Avoid keeping with:

• Very small fish
• Cleaner shrimp and ornamental shrimp
• Small gobies/blennies
• Aggressive triggers
• Puffers
• Large wrasses
• Fish that may nip or harass the eel

They are generally safe with corals, but not safe with small fish or crustaceans.

Colour Change Note

Black ribbon eels are usually juveniles/young males. As they mature, they may change colour, with males often becoming blue/yellow and females becoming more yellow