Common name: sharptail eel

Scientific name: Myrichthys breviceps (Richardson, 1848)
Schlangenaal an einem Riff vor BonaireA sharp tail eel slithers along the ocean floor in the Caribbean Sea off the island of Bonaire
Sharptailed Eel-Myrichthys breviceps in Bonaire waters

General information

The Reef Eel, also known as the Sharpnose Eel or Caribbean Sharpnose Eel (Myrichthys breviceps), is a fascinating species for the more advanced marine aquarium. These eels are known for their slender bodies and pointed snouts, which give them their common name. They are nocturnal predators, primarily feeding on small fish and crustaceans in the wild.

In the aquarium trade, they are appreciated for their unique appearance and behavior. However, they require a specialized environment and care to thrive in captivity.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
91 cm (3′)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live foods
Social
Solo Can be territorial
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at tankmates
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Eels
    Anguilliformes
  5. Family
    Snake Eels
    Ophichthidae
  6. Genus
    Snake Eels
    Myrichthys
  7. Species
    sharptail eel
    Myrichthys breviceps (Richardson, 1848)
  8. Synonyms
    Leptocephalus undulatus Strömman, 1896
    Muraena acuminata Gronow, 1854
    Myrichthys acuminatus (Gronow, 1854)
    Ophichthys pisavarius Poey, 1876
    Ophisurus breviceps Richardson, 1848
    Ophisurus longus Poey, 1867
    Pisodonophis guttulatus Kaup, 1856

Care

Reef Eels need a large aquarium with a tightly fitting lid to prevent escape, as they are known to be skilled at finding their way out of tanks. The tank should have plenty of live rock and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat and provide a sense of security. Sand or fine substrate is essential for them to burrow and hide.

Feeding can be challenging, as they prefer live foods. Hobbyists should offer a varied diet including live feeder shrimp and small fish to entice them to eat. Over time, some may adapt to frozen or prepared foods.

Reproduction

Breeding of Myrichthys breviceps in the home aquarium is rare and not well-documented. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are fertilized externally by the male. The larvae are pelagic and drift with the currents until they mature.

Habitat

Reef Eels are found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often hiding in crevices during the day and emerging at night to hunt.