Eel in a 135

[GoingPostal]

Curious what kinds of eels would be a good choice for this size tank, it's 72" x 18" x 24", no chance of upgrade so nothing that's going to outgrow it and it is a reef tank but will be aquascaped as sturdy as possible and with some caves.

Not planning on any shrimp really and only fish in the tank are a maroon clown and a gramma, wouldn't be the end of the world if either became lunch. My boyfriend likes the Gymnothorax miliaris and the size sounds right but I don't know much about them except it's a little pricey. I like the goldens but again very expensive. He hates snowflakes. Also the tank is in my living room with heavy traffic, not sure if that would stress out a shy eel or not.

My other concern would be feeding as live food is pretty much impossible to get here, I could order in feeder fish or shrimp when I ordered the eel but are they pretty quick to take to frozen usually? I don't want to buy a fish I can't feed properly, frozen foods I can stock up on no problem but live is an issue long term.

[DamnPepShrimp]

If it's a reef tank, I would go with a zebra, they are very docile and good for reefs.

[GoingPostal]

I thought they got too big? Maybe I'm thinking of another kind. Also should I have pvc for hiding? I imagine it'd have to be rather large as some of these eels look thick. The coral is all lps and softies so nothing that's going to die from getting banged around a bit if it happens.

[DamnPepShrimp]

They get big, but I think you'll be ok in a 135g. I'm thinking more along the lines of reef fish rather then corals.

[wanabebell]

i would agree with the above....another eel would be a jewelled moray...but they are agressive feeders and might disrupt corals....I wouldnt put mine in a reef tank

[Mentat]

Take a look within the genus Echidna and might find something you like in a smaller size. An example is the Barred Moray (Echidna polyzona); to about half-size of Zebra. Juveniles look alike but as they mature the B&W bars mingle into a different pattern. Here is link to Fishbase page on them http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=5389&genusname=Echidna&speciesname=polyzona (Echidna polyzona) and a pic of a little one (short of a foot) that I care for.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh319/AriesHorse_album/My%20Fish/Zee/DSC_0008.jpg
This guy shows his head most of the time and cruises around tank when hungry. Not interested in fish (won't even go for thawed fish); but will not share food and has bitten a small Undy trigger that tried to take some away. Undy is fine... but does not like the eel now. They are going to different tanks so it's ok.

[Stuart60611]

Would not a jeweled moray eat all of his small fish, like the gramma, etc.?

[GoingPostal]

Mentat, will check out, I like the idea of a smaller one and yours looks nice. I'm not too concerned if the fish get eaten, I can't get them out without ripping apart the tank and my clown has been the bane of my existence since I bought her four years ago, she's an aggressive pain in the rear. With my luck she'll be just fine. The gramma better learn to hide. Any info on this guy?

http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=51566

Gymnothorax saxicola, brazilian black edge

[Megistos]

saxicola are aggressive to a fault.

[DamnPepShrimp]

Yes, I have heard the black edge are one of the most aggressive eels.

[saltyguy51]

Dont get a black edge unless you want a real aggressive one, they will bite a anything at feeding time. I traded mine off after a few months. Toms Caribbean sells your golden tail eel for 42.00 and he is a good guy to buy from

[wanabebell]

The jewelled might be a lil to agressive stuart...they deffinetly have attitude at feeding...but are a good size for the 135

[GoingPostal]

Kinda thought I'd heard that one was aggressive.

saltyguy who's Tom's Carribean? Google didn't give me anything but that's a heck of a deal.

[saltyguy51]

www.tomscaribbean.com