Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, found from the east coast of Africa through the Red Sea and all the way to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Inhabits reef flats, rubble zones, and coral crevices.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Creamy yellow to pale white body marked with irregular black blotches and bands—resembling a snowflake pattern. Small, blunt head with powerful jaws. Often peeks from rockwork and displays inquisitive, expressive behavior.

Purpose
Serves as a mid-sized predator and behavioral focal point in FOWLR systems. Adds natural rhythm and subtle danger to the ecosystem without dominating the tank.

Importance
Extremely hardy, long-lived, and beginner-accessible among marine eels. Its manageable size and adaptability make it suitable for hobbyists looking to try their first predatory species.

Included Resources
Requires rockwork with caves or PVC tubing, strong biological filtration, and a secure lid. Will escape if gaps are present. Regular feeding and enrichment keep it active and visible.

Best Use Cases
FOWLR tanks, predator-focused marine systems, or naturalistic reef zones without inverts. Avoid with nano fish or ornamental crustaceans.

Conservation Context
Not threatened but still wild-collected. Its popularity in the hobby underscores the importance of responsible marine livestock practices and choosing reputable exporters.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Tangs and angelfish
• Triggerfish (semi-aggressive types)
• Hawkfish
• Larger wrasses
• Puffers and groupers

Region (A)
• Latitude: -0.7893° S
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Central Indonesia — coral rubble and lagoons)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: -155.5828° W
(Hawaii — tidepools and reef slopes)