Info on an EEL

[Red Coral Aquariums]

I just got in a eel and I was given the description from my supplier that it is a

Gold/Pink Pygmy Moray EEL (Brazil)

No scientific name and I can't find any info on it. It is about 8" long and eating silversides 1 hour after acclimation.

Hopefully pics this weekend.

Any info would be appreciated
Kevin

[Delphinus]

Far from really being knowledgeable on the topic but man that is an odd one to me. Bear in mind the source of anything I know about eels is "the internets" and not "the books" (trying to sound a bit like dubya there, not sure if that really got through or not though ). But I've never heard of any species of eel or moray with the name "pygmy" in it other than Gymnothorax melatremus, but even then it's more usually called "golden dwarf", not "golden pygmy". But for what it's worth, the range of colours for a golden dwarf include a little bit of pink so I wonder if there's a chance it could be that. But from everything I've read, there's no way they are found in Brazil - it is a Indo/Pacific species.

The clincher would be the eye colour, IMO. If the eyes are blue then it is probably a golden dwarf, and the "Brazil" part of the name is just wingnut mistake.

Another possibility I'm thinking is maybe Gymnothorax miliaris, canary moray or goldentail moray, which is a Tropical Atlantic species, but at a max size of 70cm apparently, I don't think that truly qualifies as a "pygmy".

I'd sure like to come see it. I'll try to play hookey this afternoon perhaps and come pay you guys a visit.

[Delphinus]

Ok, the mystery deepens as I continue to do more googles on this.

I find several (*several*) LFS/Wholesaler websites over the world that claim to sell G. melatremus from Brazil. This lends credence to the "It could be a golden dwarf" theory, but .. then again .. they could all just be wrong about the collection location, or the species ID.

However, I do find two good articles that talk about the differences between G.miliaris and G.melatremus (well, among other things) and after reading these two, I think the safest guess (without seeing it) is indeed the goldentail (miliaris).

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume.../eels/Eels.htm

http://coralnotesfromthefield.blogsp...goldstein.html

I thought this passage from the wwm article linked above, interesting enough to quote:

The next two Eels on the list are often confused with each other. These are the diminutive Golden Moray of the Pacific and its larger cousin, the Golden Moray of the Atlantic. Both are seen in the aquarium trade under the common name “Golden Moray”. The Pacific Golden (Gymnothorax melatremus) is one of the smallest of the true Moray Eels, reaching an adult length of less than eight inches. The Atlantic Golden (Gymnothorax miliaris) is more than 24 inches as an adult, but is still small enough to be a good candidate for many home aquariums.

The more common and less expensive "Golden Moray", G. miliaris from the Caribbean is a good aquarium subject.

G. melatremus is somewhat reclusive and spends a lot of time hiding in crevices. In the wild they will even occupy larger holes in sponges. In most cases, even when hiding, the Eel’s head will be apparent protruding from the rocks. At such a small size, this eel is only a threat to tiny fish and small crustaceans. Coloration varies, but the most prized (and expensive!) specimens are a striking golden yellow. These Eels are collected primarily from Hawaii. If you want to make sure you’re ordering a G. melatremus and not a G. miliaris, be certain that the fish is arriving from the Pacific Ocean!

G. miliaris is the more commonly encountered an much less expensive “Golden Moray” and also makes a wonderful reef fish. Unlike many Gymnothorax, they are not overly aggressive. Their natural habitat is sandy flats and rubble zones, a condition easily replicated in an aquarium with some decent floor space. Unfortunately, at two feet long, the Atlantic Golden Moray can’t be trusted with small fish or most crustaceans. The best looking G. miliaris are collected in the waters off the coast of Brazil. Again, keep in mind that if you are getting a Golden Moray and it is coming from Brazil or the Caribbean, it will be the bigger Golden, not the tiny Pacific variety.

Another thought that has occured to me regarding the pygmy name: Considering that other moray species are capable of lengths of 8 feet, a max size of 24" for the G. miliaris, in comparison to THAT, is still pretty small. Maybe that can explain things a little.

Anyhow, I still think the clincher here is eye colour. Blue = melatremus, yellow = miliaris or perhaps some other species.

[Myka]

Got a pic Kevin?

[Delphinus]

Ok so I went and peeked at this eel, there's no doubt in my mind that it's a golden dwarf, aka G. melatremus. Has the blue eyes

I managed the following pics from my cell phone. I see I needn't bother even trying tank photos with my phone in the future. Sorry they are such poor quality.

[subman]

+1 looks like my goldens

[Red Coral Aquariums]

Thanks Tony;
Great seeing you today.

Kevin