Banana Eel

Description

The Banana Eel has a long, slender body with a bright yellow base color covered in small, irregular dark spots. Its large, pointed jaws are equipped with sharp teeth, adapted for hunting fish and small crustaceans. Adults typically reach 1–1.2 meters (3–4 feet) in length, making it smaller than some of the giant morays like the Leopard or Zebra eel.

Banana Eels are nocturnal and crevice-dwelling, spending most of the day hiding among rocks or coral and emerging at night to hunt. Their vivid coloration, elegant sinuous swimming, and expressive behavior make them a captivating addition to appropriately sized aquaria.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 500–800 litres (130–210 US gallons)
(Larger recommended for fully grown adults)

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.023–1.026
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 20 ppm

Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a secure aquarium with plenty of caves, overhangs, and rockwork for hiding. Banana Eels are proficient escape artists and require a tightly sealed lid. Moderate water flow and excellent filtration are recommended due to their carnivorous diet and size.

Diet and Feeding

Banana Eels are carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish and small crustaceans. They readily accept frozen or prepared meaty foods in captivity and will hunt live prey if offered.

Recommended Foods:

• Chopped or whole fish

• Shrimp, squid, and other meaty marine foods

• Occasional live prey for enrichment

Feed 2–4 times per week, adjusting based on size and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Temperament and Compatibility

Banana Eels are generally semi-aggressive and territorial. They can coexist with larger, non-aggressive fish but may prey on smaller tankmates.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Medium to large peaceful or semi-aggressive fish such as tangs, wrasses, groupers, and snappers

• Other morays only in very large tanks with sufficient hiding spaces

Avoid:

• Small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other invertebrates

• Aggressive species that may provoke the eel

Reef Compatibility

⚠️ Reef Compatible With Caution

Banana Eels are not strictly reef-safe due to their predation on small fish and invertebrates. However, they generally do not harm corals directly.

Safe With:

• Corals (SPS, LPS, soft corals)

• Large clams (generally ignored)

Use Caution With:

• Small fish and ornamental shrimp

• Fragile or loosely placed rockwork

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: 1–1.2 meters (3–4 feet)

• Lifespan: 10–15+ years in captivity

• Difficulty Level: Moderate (due to size, feeding habits, and escape risk)

• Natural Behaviour: Crevice-dwelling, nocturnal hunter; territorial

• Origin: Western Atlantic – Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and surrounding areas

• Colouration: Bright yellow with small dark spots; smooth, elegant body

Summary

The Banana Eel (Gymnothorax miliaris) is a medium-sized, visually striking moray eel suitable for advanced aquarists with appropriately sized, secure marine tanks. Semi-aggressive and predatory toward small animals, it thrives in environments with ample hiding spaces, strong filtration, and a varied carnivorous diet. Its bright coloration, nocturnal hunting habits, and engaging behavior make it a captivating centerpiece for large home aquariums or public displays.