Ribbon Eel

Whale, hello there!

Did you know that this flexible and colorful Ribbon Eels lead fascinating life cycles which not only involve three completely different phases of coloration but also complete changes in gender!

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

2. 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.

3. Yellow Phase (female): As the male ribbon eel continues to grow and at approximately 1.3 meters, its color 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.

Ribbon eels are found predominantly on healthy coral reefs. 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 realize where their name comes from!

N&W 🐋