Snowflake Eel

Also known as the Clouded Moray or Starry Moray

The Snowflake Eel is a beautiful and hardy species that brings distinctive patterns and manageable size to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Panama, this popular moray features a white to cream body adorned with dark brown to black blotches creating a snowflake-like pattern. With their peaceful temperament toward larger fish, moderate size, and excellent hardiness, Snowflake Eels make outstanding additions for beginner to intermediate aquarists seeking an engaging predator with striking appearance and personality.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Echidna nebulosa
• Common Names: Snowflake Eel, Clouded Moray, Starry Moray, Snowflake Moray
• Adult Size: 24–30 inches (60–75 cm); commonly 20–26 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful with larger fish; predatory toward small fish and crustaceans
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – predatory toward invertebrates and small fish
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum (75+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – hardy and adaptable

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and rubble areas at depths of 3–150 feet. Inhabits crevices and caves, often with head protruding from hiding spot.

Tank Environment:

• Multiple caves and crevices essential
• Secure rockwork formations
• Tight-fitting lid with all gaps sealed (can escape through small openings)
• PVC tubes or rock formations for hiding
• Moderate to low lighting preferred
• All equipment openings covered
• Compatible with FOWLR or fish-only systems

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen shrimp, krill, squid, scallops (primary diet)
• Silversides, chopped fish
• Frozen seafood medley
• Live feeder shrimp (occasional, quarantined)
• Marine carnivore pellets (once established)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times weekly for adults
• Juveniles require 3–4 feedings weekly
• Use feeding tongs or stick (never hand-feed)
• Remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes
• May become hand-tame but use caution

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Large tangs (6+ inches), large angelfish, large wrasses, triggerfish, pufferfish, lionfish, groupers, foxface
• Caution with: Semi-aggressive species, fish 4–6 inches (assess individual temperament)
• Avoid: All small fish (under 4 inches), ornamental shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, slow-moving fish, long-finned fish

Social Behavior:

• Generally peaceful toward fish too large to swallow
• Spends much time in caves with head visible
• Nocturnal but adapts to daytime feeding
• May become interactive and recognize owner
• Can be kept with other eels in larger systems (100+ gallons)
• Less aggressive than most moray species
• Poor eyesight; hunts by smell

Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe; will consume all ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and small fish. Generally ignores corals but may knock over unsecured decorations. Best suited for fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems.

Color & Development

Coloration: White to cream base with distinctive dark brown to black blotches and spots creating snowflake or clouded pattern; blotches have irregular edges resembling snowflakes; two prominent dark bars through eyes; pattern highly variable between individuals; some specimens show yellow tinting.

Color Intensity:

• Pattern remains consistent throughout life
• High-quality diet maintains clean white background
• Stress may cause temporary darkening
• Yellow tones more prominent in some geographic variants
• Blotch patterns unique to each individual like fingerprints

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 8–12 inches
• Moderate growth rate: 4–6 inches annually
• Reach 18–24 inches within 3–4 years
• Growth slows significantly after 20 inches
• One of the smaller moray species

Why Choose a Quarantined Snowflake Eel?

A properly quarantined Snowflake Eel is a healthier, acclimated specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to frozen foods, feeding behavior verification, and secure housing to prevent escape.

These stunning eels combine beautiful snowflake patterning with excellent hardiness and manageable temperament, making them perfect for aquarists seeking an engaging predator without extreme size or aggression. Their distinctive appearance, interactive personality, and adaptability to captive feeding make them one of the most popular and successful eel species in the hobby. Ideal for FOWLR systems where their striking patterns and curious nature can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Among the best “first eel” choices for those entering the world of moray keeping.