Common name: Roughsnout ghost pipefish

General information

The Blue Ribbon Eel, Solenostomus cyanopterus, is a striking and elegant species known for its elongated body and high dorsal fin. The males are predominantly blue with a yellow dorsal fin, while females and juveniles are black or yellow with a blue dorsal fin. This species is often mistaken for a true eel due to its appearance, but it is actually a member of the dragonet family.

In the wild, Blue Ribbon Eels are solitary and somewhat reclusive, often found in sandy burrows or among rubble on reef slopes. They are known for their peculiar method of feeding, where they use their long, tubular snouts to suck up small fish and crustaceans.

Care

Blue Ribbon Eels can be challenging to keep in captivity due to their specific dietary and environmental needs. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. These eels are known to be escape artists, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent them from leaving the tank.

Feeding can be particularly tricky as they prefer live foods. Offering a varied diet of small live fish, ghost shrimp, and other meaty foods can entice them to eat. Patience and persistence are key when acclimating Blue Ribbon Eels to a captive diet.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Blue Ribbon Eels in the home aquarium is extremely rare. In the wild, they are protandric hermaphrodites, starting life as males and changing to females as they mature. Their breeding habits are not well understood, and successful captive breeding has not been documented in the hobby.

Habitat

Blue Ribbon Eels are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Society Islands, and north to southern Japan. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their preference for living in burrows makes them a fascinating subject for observation in a well-structured reef tank.