Golden Dwarf Moray Eel (Gymnothorax melatremus) Question

KoleTang · Mar 18, 2012

I am thinking about getting one of these guys.

I have a few questions for whoever has had experience with keeping them in a reef tank.

- I know there, mouths are small, but will them munch on a cleaner goby?

- Will they dine on cleaner shrimp or porcelain crabs?

- Are there any other setbacks to keeping them in a reef?

Thanks!

revhtree · Mar 18, 2012

Hello,

They don't commonly eat small fish or crustaceans but there is always a possibility.

Also you'll need to keep the top covered!

caudill187 · Mar 18, 2012

I've had one for about three years that hasn't eaten any fish, but I don't have any really small fish. I have had him with fish that he could eat if he wanted to, but he didn't. I think he does occassionally nip at a fin if I don't keep him fed, but really no problems with any tankmates. I don't have any shrimp either, but don't think he would eat a big one. The only downside, if there is one, is that he has to be hand fed occasionally....but this is one of my favorite reefing activities these days.

I couldn't resist a chance to show off a baby picture:

FishLipz · Mar 18, 2012

No problems here either. They are naturally fish eaters in the wild, but I haven't had any problems at all. Of course my smallest fish are a pair of full grown clowns and an Atlantic pygmy angel. There are people on here who have had problems. Keep it well fed and you should have less chance of a problem. As far as shrimp, mine sometimes shares a cave with my eel and even acts as a personal dentist. The only draw back I could possibly see is the remote possibility of getting a bite while you have your hands in the tank.