Ribbon eels are in the family of moray eels. The beautifully colored blue and yellow eel gets its name from its ribbon-like body style and motion. Their swimming is mesmerizing, and the vivid coloration adds fluidity to the movement.
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A ribbon eel can live up to 20 years and is the only protandric hermaphrodite (sex-changing) eel. They begin life as a black male with a yellow dorsal fin. They keep the yellow dorsal fin as they mature, but the black changes to vibrant blue. Once they reach maturity, the male eel will develop female reproductive organs. Another color change to solid yellow takes place as the female develops. They will mate once, lay eggs, and perish within a month.
During adulthood, two males often reside together in holes near the ocean floor. They are opportunistic hunters, waiting for prey to swim by the opening to catch their food. They travel by undulating their body. Coupled with the bright colors, watching them swim can be hypnotic.
These eels can grow to around one meter in length. Once they complete the sex change to female, eels may grow slightly larger. They reside predominantly in sandy areas in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and typically stay in shallow waters less than 200 feet (60 meters) deep. Female ribbon eels are very rare. This is due mainly to their short lifespan. They are also the only color-changing moray eel.
The major threat to the ribbon eel is the aquarium trade. However, they are not suitable for home aquariums. They are difficult to maintain and often die shortly after capture. While they are beautiful and would make a breathtaking addition to any aquarium, it is best to leave them in the wild.
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