Zebra Moray in a 65 Gallon

[Liz]

What do you think of a Zebra Moray being kept in a 65 gallon? Some sites say they should be kept in atleast 125 gallons, others say 75. Will my moray suffer a lot being kept in a 65 gallon? I would remove him and take him back to the pet store (a reputable pet store that assured me he would be fine in a 65) if it were possible to do so without dismantling my tank. Will he be ok or is this cruel? Will he be terribly stunted and unhealthy? Right now he is about 9 to 11".

 

[Riverserver]

I'm voting for cruel. They get about 5" long so a 65 gallon tank wouldn't be near enough. I wouldn't even want to keep one in less then 150 gallons. He's going to be stressed out.

You should really ask these questions prior to purchasing one lol.

 

[Liz]

Well I asked how big he would get (3') and if he would be okay in my 65 gallon (yes). It was recommended specifically for my tank.

 

[SuperScro]

He might be ok in there for that size he is right now, but not for much longer. Who recommended it specifically for your tank?

 

[Magpen]

See this article written by Robert Fenner on his wetwebmedia site. The Zebra Moray only grows to 3' in home aquaria and to 4' in the wild. He also says that your tank should be more traditional shape than a different shape. So I would say if your tank is 3' long or less it will be to small for him in the long run.http://wetwebmedia.com/zebramor.htm

 

[Liz]

It said they grow 2-3' in home aquaria. My 65 is 36x18x25. Is this a good shaped tank or would a longer, shallower tank be better?

 

[chickenhawk]

I thought they were ok for a 75g as well. My friend was going to give me one as (I have a 75g) as soon as the weather cools down. Now I'm worried.

 

[Riverserver]

It said they grow 2-3' in home aquaria. My 65 is 36x18x25. Is this a good shaped tank or would a longer, shallower tank be better?

Eels suffer from stunted growth in most aquariums because people house them in tanks that are too small for them. It's not saying that you cannot get an eel to live a long life in one, but he will have stunted growth because of it. And I'm sure ANYONE could get a zebra eel to reach only 2' if they put it in a small enough tank.

Please don't stick a zebra moray in a tank that's only 36" long. I wouldn't even put it in one that was less than 72" long.

 

[Liz]

Well it's already in there, and I'm not taking my rocks apart to take him out.

 

[Grins]

I'm a bit confused. Are you wanting opinions or agreement with what your LFS told you?

Here is a good page on the systems needs for the zebra http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebramsysfaqs.htm. I agree with River that your eel needs a bigger home.