White Eyed Eel - Siderea thyrsoidea

White Eyed Moray Eel (Siderea thyrsoidea)

• Species: Siderea thyrsoidea
• Common Names: White Eyed Moray Eel, White Eyed Rock Eel
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef
• Light Requirements: Low to Moderate
• Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates
• Maximum Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Moderate

Aquarium Setup:

The White Eyed Moray Eel is a striking and relatively hardy species known for its distinctive white eyes and unique appearance. It thrives in a well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock, caves, and crevices to provide shelter, as it is a nocturnal species and prefers to hide during the day. As a skilled escape artist, a securely lidded tank is essential to prevent this eel from leaving its habitat. It is best suited for larger tanks, where it has plenty of space to roam and hunt. While not reef-safe due to its feeding habits, it can coexist with other non-aggressive, larger fish and invertebrates.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

Growth and Maintenance:

White Eyed Moray Eels are relatively slow-growing but can reach lengths of up to 30 inches, so they require a tank with ample swimming space and hiding spots. They are hardy in stable water conditions but can be sensitive to poor water quality. Regular water changes and good filtration are essential to maintaining their health. Since they are carnivorous, they require a diet consisting of meaty foods, including small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates.

Care Tips:

✔ Placement: Provide lots of hiding spots with live rock, caves, or other structures that the eel can explore and hide in. They prefer to stay in dark, sheltered areas during the day, coming out to hunt at night.
✔ Water Stability: Ensure stable water parameters, as White Eyed Moray Eels are sensitive to fluctuations. Regular water changes and high-quality filtration will help maintain optimal water conditions.
✔ Feeding: These eels are carnivorous and require a varied diet, including frozen or live foods such as shrimp, small fish, and invertebrates. They are opportunistic feeders and will actively hunt for food at night.
✔ Avoid Pests: Regularly inspect the eel for signs of parasites or injuries. As with other moray species, they are susceptible to diseases and should be quarantined when introduced into a new tank.
✔ Tank Mates: White Eyed Moray Eels are semi-aggressive and should not be kept with smaller fish or invertebrates. They are best housed with larger, non-aggressive species that can handle potential predation.

Compatibility:

White Eyed Moray Eels can be kept with larger, non-aggressive fish and other eels. They may exhibit territorial behavior, especially if they feel threatened or hungry, so it is important to provide plenty of hiding spots. They are not reef-safe, as they may feed on corals, invertebrates, and small fish. Ideally, they should be housed with larger tankmates that are not vulnerable to predation.

Availability:

The White Eyed Moray Eel is available in the aquarium trade but may be less common compared to other eel species. Availability can vary by region, and both wild-caught and occasionally aquacultured specimens can be found. Always check with local or online reef suppliers for current availability.

Disclaimer:

Due to variations within species and individual fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.