Golden Eel ID

[tkong]

Any ID on the species of this guy? Thanks in advance.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Looks like it may be Gymnothorax melatremus, the (Golden) Dwarf Moray.

 

[lion king]

Looks like a Gymnothorax miliaris, banana eel to me, big difference so make sure if you are planning to get it. Check with the source for the scientific name.

 

[ReeferHD]

i'm gonna go with Gymnothorax melatremus, as well

 

[lion king]

i'm gonna go with Gymnothorax melatremus, as well

Yes, the eyes have it, the difference is in the eyes, I've seen a few little juvi banana eels recently and heard some hobbyist getting confused at the lfs,.

 

[Gp!]

I've seen a few little juvi banana eels recently

Do these guys develop the black spots later in life? Or are there different color patterns they are born with?

 

[lion king]

Do these guys develop the black spots later in life? Or are there different color patterns they are born with?

They are all uniquely patterned, I'm not sure if they develop more spots later on, I've seen every combination, even with no dots at all.

 

[tkong]

Awesome, thanks for the ID guys. Stoked to have nabbed him from the LFS. He just ate a piece of bay ghost shrimp. I will TTM before moving him into bigger grow out/display tank

Have attached a better video.

 

[Gp!]

Stoked to have nabbed him from the LFS

How much was he?

 

[lion king]

Awesome, thanks for the ID guys. Stoked to have nabbed him from the LFS. He just ate a piece of bay ghost shrimp. I will TTM before moving him into bigger grow out/display tank

Have attached a better video.

If you want to keep that vivid golden color include wild salmon in their diet, it contains a carotenoid called astaxanthin which enhances the yellow, gold, and red tones. Fresh whole shrimp frozen in small batches maintains the natural level of astaxanthin vs buying frozen. Occasional live feedings of ghosties, guppies, and mollies will also aid to long term health and vibrancy of this eel. You'll see these guys very faded in color sometimes after a short while, a lacking diet is an indicator. This is a fang tooth and will need fish their diet. Squid, mussels, and clams are good inclusions, limit shrimp.