snowflake eel head shaking twitching
- Thread starter kim75062
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Well he is the only aquatic vet in the area so choices are slim. But if he had some kinda nerve injury it would make sense that when he does the "normal" head shake eel sniffing for food thing it looks all weird and he can't find the food even in front of his face. Kinda like walking on a Charlie horse, we can walk but look like idiots for a few minutes lol
My big feeder stick will be here tomorrow and hopefully I'll have luck with that. But for all I know he's already ate a hermit and is full.
My big feeder stick will be here tomorrow and hopefully I'll have luck with that. But for all I know he's already ate a hermit and is full.
My only other thought has been some other kind of toxin that I can't test for because it shouldn't be in an aquarium to start with. I can't think of anything off hand that's been near the tank but I'll do a big water change tomorrow anyway.
tyler1503
2500 Club Member
If there was a nasty toxin you can't test for, other livestock would most likely be showing signs. Corals would be closing up or bleaching, other less hardy fish would be acting strangely etc.
Eels are very hardy, not much gets passed their slime coat and they generally have a strong resistance to nasties in the water.
She's just settling in. It's completely normal behaviour.
Keep an eye on her, but with some love she'll be happy and healthy in no time
Eels are very hardy, not much gets passed their slime coat and they generally have a strong resistance to nasties in the water.
She's just settling in. It's completely normal behaviour.
Keep an eye on her, but with some love she'll be happy and healthy in no time
The only other live stock in the tank is 4 damsels that I got at the same time and I did drop one of my condy nems in the tank yesterday because it won't stay still in my reef and was ticking off my other corals. Besides that it's just live rock in there. Thanks for all your help!
Yes I'm aware he will out grow the 55. I was considering setting up a tunnel network in my big reef to add him later but truthfully it only gives me an excuse to buy another bigger tank .
The one he's in now has glass lids with cut outs for 2 penguin 400(I think) HOB filters. They were rated for 80 gallons each so I figured 2 was better for filtration and fresh air to keep the ph up and stable.
I plan on making a open hood with egg crate attached to it in the near future.
I really did research it before buying him. I choose this kind of eel because of how hardy they are and they are on the smaller side. Plus they are not natural fish eaters and I want to add a zebra dwarf lion with him.
Lionfish Lair
Renee
Our eel ate all our fish in year ten. Then were all fine to that point. Just adding that in there....
tyler1503
2500 Club Member
Unless she grows unusually big, she should be fine in a 55. It's a borderline size for a grown snowflake, but definitely doable. You'll have to keep a very close eye on nutrients though, with that filtration it may be pretty easy to see nitrates rise. Especially if you add a lionfish.
Also she may find her way through the eggcrate gaps, unless she's fully grown. You may need something with smaller gaps to keep her in when you build the open top
tyler1503
2500 Club Member
Rule number one of eel keeping: Never trust an eel!
Unless she grows unusually big, she should be fine in a 55. It's a borderline size for a grown snowflake, but definitely doable. You'll have to keep a very close eye on nutrients though, with that filtration it may be pretty easy to see nitrates rise. Especially if you add a lionfish.
Also she may find her way through the eggcrate gaps, unless she's fully grown. You may need something with smaller gaps to keep her in when you build the open top
I found black eggcrate online that has pencil eraser size holes in it. Do you think that's small enough? I have a few sheets here of white stuff from Home Depot but those holes are much larger. My frag plugs fit loosely in them.
DustyXB9Reefer
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Maybe he just has allergies and is sneezing lol
Mine does it all the time when hungry. I think you have several factors influencing the behavior, new tank being at the top. It took a while for my 20" snowflake to acclimate and find spots to feel safe and secure in. She also didn't eat for 2 weeks.
Once the appetite ramped up she was shaking her head a lot (the fish get fed 5x daily). Whenever she's hungry the head shaking starts. When the fish get fed she shakes her head because of the smell in the water.
One final thing: If you want a snowflake eel to eat like you've never seen before, get some little neck or Cherrystone clams. I thaw in tank water then scoop out of the shell to feed her with tongs. The trick is to feed the fish at the same time. If you don't the triggers will make sure it never makes it to the eel because who can resist clams?
Once the appetite ramped up she was shaking her head a lot (the fish get fed 5x daily). Whenever she's hungry the head shaking starts. When the fish get fed she shakes her head because of the smell in the water.
One final thing: If you want a snowflake eel to eat like you've never seen before, get some little neck or Cherrystone clams. I thaw in tank water then scoop out of the shell to feed her with tongs. The trick is to feed the fish at the same time. If you don't the triggers will make sure it never makes it to the eel because who can resist clams?
mandi29221
Active Member
I know it's been awhile since you posted this but I just got a eel and it's kinda twitching only from it face. Is that what yours was doing. Your fb video didn't open. I'm curious to find out if what mine is doing is normal. He's been eating tho I got him Saturday it's now Tuesday. Ate 4 half clam shells and one clown. The lfs said he just ate.... he didn't so I lost a clown. I was watching him and he's kinda like rubbing his face against a rock or kinda like shaking his head no
I don't know a lot about eels, but do know that they do that when they're hungry / excited. (Wonder if it helps them move water through their nostrils to home in on their prey?)
@Bob Loblaw might be able to add insight.
~Bruce
@Bob Loblaw might be able to add insight.
~Bruce
Bob Loblaw
Well-Known Member
Head twitches are often a result of neural damage primarily from lack of vitamin B. Soaking food in vitamins, Selcon, Vita-chem..., usually remedy the situation. High nitrates and physical injury are other suspects but a video would really help to know what's going on.
