Banded Snake Eel

Also known as the Harlequin Snake Eel or Ringed Snake Eel

The Banded Snake Eel is a fascinating and unusual species that brings unique behavior and striking patterns to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this elongated eel features distinctive black and white banding along its entire body. While their burrowing lifestyle and specialized requirements make them challenging, their intriguing behavior and bold appearance make them rewarding additions for experienced aquarists with appropriate sandy substrates and secure systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Myrichthys colubrinus
• Common Names: Banded Snake Eel, Harlequin Snake Eel, Ringed Snake Eel
• Adult Size: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm); commonly 24–30 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory; will consume small fish and crustaceans
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – predatory toward small fish and invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum (180+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Advanced – requires specialized substrate and secure tank

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on sandy bottoms near coral reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds at depths of 3–80 feet. Spends most time buried in sand with only head visible, emerging at night to hunt.

Tank Environment:

• Deep sand bed essential (4–6 inches minimum of fine sand)
• Smooth rockwork without sharp edges
• Open sandy areas for burrowing
• Extremely secure, tight-fitting lid with no gaps (expert escape artists)
• All openings sealed (overflows, return lines, equipment holes)
• PVC tubes or caves as additional shelter
• Peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen fish, shrimp, squid, scallops (primary diet)
• Silversides, krill, chopped seafood
• Live feeder fish (quarantined, occasional)
• Marine carnivore pellets (once established)
• Whole meaty foods preferred

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times weekly for adults
• Juveniles require more frequent feeding (3–4 times weekly)
• Often feeds at night or during subdued lighting
• May require target feeding near burrow
• Use feeding tongs for safety

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Large tangs, large angelfish, large wrasses, triggerfish, pufferfish, lionfish (similar or larger size)
• Caution with: Fish small enough to swallow (under 4 inches), slow-moving species
• Avoid: Small fish, ornamental shrimp, small crabs, hermit crabs, aggressive species that may harass

Social Behavior:

• Primarily nocturnal; most active at night
• Spends daylight hours buried with head protruding
• Generally peaceful toward fish too large to consume
• Solitary; only one per tank unless system is 300+ gallons
• May become bolder and more visible once established
• Fascinating burrowing behavior
• Powerful escape artist – secure lid absolutely essential

Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe; will consume ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and small fish. Generally ignores corals but may disturb sand beds around coral bases. Best suited for fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems.

Color & Development

Coloration: Bold black and white bands encircling entire body from head to tail; 25–35 bands total; bands remain consistent width throughout body; white bands may show slight yellow tint; dramatic high-contrast pattern makes them highly visible when emerging.

Color Intensity:

• Pattern remains consistent throughout life
• High-quality diet maintains clean white coloration
• Stress may cause temporary darkening
• Black bands may show slight brown tint in certain lighting
• Juveniles show same banding pattern as adults

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 10–15 inches
• Moderate growth rate: 4–8 inches annually
• Reach 24–30 inches within 3–4 years
• Growth slows after reaching 24 inches

Why Choose a Quarantined Banded Snake Eel?

A properly quarantined Banded Snake Eel is a healthier, acclimated specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to accept frozen foods, stress reduction and acclimation to captivity, and secure housing to prevent escape attempts during quarantine.

These fascinating eels combine striking black-and-white banding with intriguing burrowing behavior, making them captivating additions for experienced aquarists. Their peaceful temperament toward appropriately sized tankmates and unique lifestyle create engaging observations, particularly during feeding time and nighttime activity. Perfect for sandy-bottom FOWLR systems where their dramatic appearance and unusual behavior can be appreciated by those prepared to provide deep sand beds and escape-proof housing.