Origin
Found across the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to French Polynesia. Prefers sandy lagoons and coral reef crevices, where it hides and ambushes prey.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Males exhibit a vivid blue body with a bright yellow dorsal fin and jaws. Females and juveniles are black with yellow. Slender and ribbon-like, it slithers with elegance and often peeks out from rocks or burrows.

Purpose
A showpiece animal for advanced marine aquariums. Adds exotic movement and mystique to reef tanks when housed successfully.

Importance
Highly sought after for its appearance, but rarely thrives in captivity. Raising awareness about its care needs can discourage impulsive purchases and promote ethical marine practices.

Included Resources
Requires a secure, eel-safe tank (minimum 75 gallons), deep sandbed, numerous rock crevices, and a tightly sealed lid. Prefers dim lighting and low tank traffic.

Best Use Cases
Dedicated eel tanks, predator or FOWLR systems. Not reef-safe due to potential predation on small fish or inverts. Only for experienced marine aquarists with escape-proof setups.

Conservation Context
Not currently endangered, but wild collection can stress local ecosystems. Captive success remains low, and ethical sourcing is encouraged to reduce impact.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Large angelfish or tangs (with caution)
• Lionfish or groupers (size-dependent)
• Eel-tolerant wrasses
• Not recommended with shrimp, gobies, or small peaceful reef fish

Region (A)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia — coral rubble and reef slope habitats)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji — reef crevices and sandy channels)