Facts: The Snowflake Eel

The snowflake eel is a widely distributed and abundant moray eel species. The body is colorful with a pale snout and whitish background marked with black speckles and two rows of black blotches containing small yellow spots. In juveniles, the blotches are solid without yellow spots. These eels inhabit the Indo-Pacific and the central eastern Pacific. They are typically found in shallow water less than 33 ft deep. They are often associated with reefs or rocky areas. Juveniles are frequently seen in tide pools. Snowflake eels often forage in the open by day. In many cases, they are followed by a small jack or goatfish as they forage. They also hunt at night. Their streamlined bodies are adapted for maneuvering and hunting in and around the reef framework. Unlike many moray eels that have intimidating sharp teeth, snowflake eels have conical blunt teeth, ideal for their diet of crustaceans. They especially like to feed on crabs. They use their blunt teeth to crush the shells of their prey. They eat their prey with the help of two jaws. The second set of jaws is in their throat. This set shoots up and grabs the prey from the main pair of jaws, drawing the prey down to the esophagus. Snowflake eels are thought to be protogenous hermaphrodites, starting life as female, later changing to male. Adults can grow to around 30 in long. These eels are frequently displayed in aquariums. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!