Golden Dwarf Moray Eel (Gymnothorax melatremus)

[Delphinus]

Anyhow, mine has hit the sad ending of its story. Haven't seen it all week so finally decided enough was enough and took apart the tank. He's not in there. Not in the sump either. Either he perished and was scavenged (found a nasty large red eyed crab while taking the rocks out) or he's managed to find his way out of the tank. Either way, no more eel.

This has been a rough stressful ride the last 4 months trying to keep this thing happy. I don't think I'll get another.

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Anyhow, mine has hit the sad ending of its story. Haven't seen it all week so finally decided enough was enough and took apart the tank. He's not in there. Not in the sump either. Either he perished and was scavenged (found a nasty large red eyed crab while taking the rocks out) or he's managed to find his way out of the tank. Either way, no more eel.

This has been a rough stressful ride the last 4 months trying to keep this thing happy. I don't think I'll get another.

Awhhh, that sucks Sorry for your loss.

[Delphinus]

Yeah, I'm really sort of depressed about it actually. Thing that is driving me crazy is not knowing what happened. Do I tear my basement apart looking for a long thin carpet jerky that might not be there? It's always amazing to me how fast caracasses disappear in a reef tank, but I would have guessed in a smaller tank that there would be some evidence one way or the other.

[Chaloupa]

OH NO...sooo sorry to hear Tony!

[Delphinus]

Hmmm, well, at least I don't have to wonder any longer. I found him. He did get out after all. Pretty gruesome.

This is what he managed to get out of:


He either got out through the little uncovered gap by the locline or the right hand side because the acrylic was starting to warp and lift a little on that side. I've been wondering all week how to fix that warp but .. well I guess I don't need to worry about it anymore.

Guess if I every try again I'll have a huge box built around the tank top so that there is ZERO chance of escape. I won't put any eels into my 280g now because as an inwall tank I don't know how to enclose the tank 100% AND still be able to feed the fish on a daily basis (and not make it a huge burden for anyone taking care of the tank when I'm away on vacations or work or whatever).

I feel so ... unbelievably affected right now. Part of me wants to feel sad about the eel (and does), part of me is like ... I should be relieved it's not something worse, .. and I feel for my friends at the restaurant. They are going to be so traumatized.. I .. feel so incredibly heavy hearted today.

[kipsix]

Yikes, that sucks. I'm sorry for your loss. You had a rough go with that little guy.

What an escape artist he must have been, your tank is sealed up better than mine is right now.