My Super-Cool Golden Dwarf Moray Eel

[txmaverickmh]

I added an amazing new creature to my tank today, I purchased a golden dwarf moray eel (Hawaii) today from TnT Fish & Pets in Houston, we have already named him “Morton the Moray”…Brad, over at GC Reef was the first person to introduce me to this species, of which I did some research on and found out that they were very rare and reef safe but $200-$300, and I never purchased one.
They are from Hawaii, usually a gold, yellow color with blue eyes (much like a midas blenny), they are moray eels with all the physical features and looks, but they only grow to an adult size of 12-18”. And, for the most part, they are totally reef safe and can be kept in tanks as small as 25 gallons. I do have two cleaner shrimp that I should be worried about, but from all the reading I have done, Morton’s mouth is so small that I think my large cleaner shrimp are safe. We will see how it goes, but most of my fish and animals are safe from harm…these morays have a pretty good track record.
Also, Steve aka Big Bird, we debated fish stores a few months back in Houston, and I have to hand it to you, TNT Fish is rocking right now with livestock, fish and prices. These golden dwarf morays are usually very expensive, and they had him priced at $100, and I got 15% DISCOUNT with my MARSHreef membership, making him only $85…everywhere you look on the net, they are $175 up to $300.

Anyways, I thought I would share with my homies, enjoy the pics!

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/April2010/019.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/April2010/017.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/April2010/016.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/April2010/018.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/April2010/020.jpg

[justahobby]

Links aren't working dude...can't wait to see it!

[Europhyllia]

I never thought I'd like eels but yours is very beautiful!

[justahobby]

Great pics. Do their colors change w/ age like some other animals?

[txmaverickmh]

thanks Karin, he is sooo beautiful, no doubt! I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out fine!

[txmaverickmh]

Justin,

Most of the GDMs that I have seen are bright yellow like a midas blenny, this guy kindof looks like banana pudding yellow with some brown speckles on him, perhaps the reason for the price discount, but I think he is beautiful. I have read about them brightening up as they get comfortable in the aquarium, but I dont know yet of any radical color transformation when reaching adulthood.

[justahobby]

I'm sure he will brighten up some, but like you said, he is gorgeous. I was more asking out of pure curiosity. In person I've only seen ...lol.. banana pudding colors or yellow with lots of brown spots. Just reread your post about keeping them in a 25g, how much bigger will Morton get?

[txmaverickmh]

Max size is usually about 18"

[diego]

The way you feed your fish Michael I have no doubt the fish will be safe. Every half a second there will be morsel right by his mouth....:wink_smile:

[d3rryc]

I LOVE this fish! I had a chestnut moray a while back (also a dwarf at ~15") that my wife named, "Waldo," as in, "Where the heck is he?!" He could hide like you wouldn't believe, even in the 20-gal QT.

Congrats on the new addition!

[aggman]

wow michael this is an awesome score.

i have been wanting one of these for a while now. but as you stated they are mostly found upwards of $200.

i saw one in this guys thread (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1600586&page=6) on rc and he has his in a 30g with bumblebee shrimp. so i think your cleaners will be fine.

~alex

[justahobby]

About what size is he now?


Max size is usually about 18"

[txmaverickmh]

Justin,

I would say he is probably about 12" and very active in the tank...all of the other fishies and my large cleaner shrimp are doing well...he has been nibbling the marine cuisine frozen food that I feed the tank twice a day.

I need more time to evaluate his feeding habits, but all is well right now! He is very beautiful and fun to watch, fortunately, I have been able to see him frequently as he moves to different locations and is always peering his head out of the rocks.

Thanks for the comments, I will keep you all updated on his status.

Michael

[Pennies2Cents]

More pics please! :)

[justahobby]

i wouldn't worry.. especially if you say they have a good track record. IME adding the agg. animals afterward definitely increases sustainability. I kept a dwarf lion and shrimp together for roughly 6 mo. until I didn't feed the tank for about 2 wks. I certainly don't blame the lionfish. With triggers, any invert added beforehand was safe...

[allan]

Wow, that is really nice. If you decide to frag him put me in line for a piece. :D

All joking aside, I really miss my eel, and yours is awesome. Is 100 bones the normal price for TnT for this Eel? I'd be interested in one for sure. Wonder if we can get a group order for one, but if they're rare I doubt it.