Ribbon eels (Rhinomuraena quaesita) are a smaller species of eel which are full of character and found at almost all of our dive sites across each of our regions in Indonesia. Ribbon eels are closely related to their larger ‘cousins’, moray eels but how much do you know about the lives of these strange critters? Here are some interesting facts that might surprise you!

Black phase ribbon eels are the juvenile form of the species

Ribbon Eel Colour & Gender Phases:

Ribbon eels lead fascinating life cycles which not only involve three completely different phases of coloration but also complete changes in gender!

Black Phase (juvenile): Ribbon eels begin life as juveniles which are easily recognised by the bright yellow dorsal fin which runs the length of their dark, black bodies.

Blue Phase (male): As the eel matures the black changes to a bright, electric blue with an equally vivid yellow dorsal fin; this marks the male stage of the ribbon eel’s life cycle.

Yellow Phase (female): As the male ribbon eel continues to grow and at approximately 1.3 meters / 4 feet its colour changes again, this time to yellow, and this is when the ribbon eel enters its female stage. Female stage ribbon eels are able to lay eggs.

Yellow phase (female) ribbon eel on a rubble reef

Habitat:

Ribbon eels are found predominantly on healthy coral reefs but they also seem to thrive on damaged reefs too where the bottom composition is mainly sand and rubble. Usually it is only the ribbon eels head and upper body that are visible as they live burrow in the sand and hide under rocks and in crevices. It is a very special sight to see an entire ribbon eel – especially one which is swimming freely, but if you do, you’ll soon realise where their name comes from!

It is unusual to see an entire ribbon eel out in the open. This individual is mid-transition from black to blue phases

Mouths and Nostrils:

Ribbon eels have long protruding nostrils which are almost seahorse like in appearance. Ribbon eels use their nostrils to sense vibrations in the water which helps them to hunt and defend themselves. As with moray eels, divers often mistake ribbon eels as being aggressive as they are commonly seen with their mouths opening and closing in what could be interpreted as a threatening manner when they are in fact just breathing. Look carefully when a ribbon eels mouth is open – their razor-like teeth are tiny but quite menacing!

Ribbon eels have flared nostrils which are sensory organs.

Diet and Feeding:

Ribbon eels are carnivores and their diets consist of shrimps and small fish. Ribbon eels are nocturnal hunters which leave their hiding spots under the cover of darkness.

Lifespan:

Despite their slender bodies ribbon eels have surprisingly long life spans. They are thought to live up to 20 years in their natural habitat and can grow to over one meter in length.

Occasionally ribbon eels are spotted together and they will even share holes!

Ribbon Eel Season?:

Ribbon eels do not appear to be seasonal and we se see them all year round across all of our incredible, Indonesian diving locations (Amed, Nusa Lembongan, Gili Air, South Lombok, Lembeh and Bunaken).

Ribbon Eel Photography Tips:

When trying to capture images of ribbon eels it is important to approach slowly to prevent scaring them back into their holes or hiding spots. Ribbon eels are naturally quite curious but need time to become familiar with divers being in their space. If you move to soon and the eel begins to retreat, try backing up and giving it more time to become comfortable with you. Take your image from low down, close to the reef or sandy bottom and shoot the eel from the side so that you get a strong profile shot. If you shoot from above, you will loose all definition and the eel will be difficult to pick out of the image. When taking pictures of a black phase ribbon eel, take into account your background and re-position yourself until you have the lightest available background – this will prevent the eel from become part of the background!

When taking pictures of black ribbon eels try to capture a light background to give the eel definition

How many of these facts did you already know about ribbon eels? What is your favourite critter? If you are a fan of strange and unusual marine life then diving in Lembeh, North Sulawesi must be on your bucket list. The Lembeh Strait is world renowned for having the most diverse range of rare and bizarre marine life on earth – it’s also a hotspot for underwater macro photographers. Join us at Two Fish Divers Lembeh and our Bunaken Island Resort is just a short ride away so you can combine phenomenal muck diving with stunning coral reefs in one trip!

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