Dragon Eel
(Enchelycore or Muraena pardalis) Profile

by your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums
Debbie and Stan Hauter

Juvenile
Photo use with permission by Flying Fish Express

Adult
Photo use with permission by Richard L. Pyle

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• More Photos by Keoki & Yuko Stender
• Other Common Names: Hawaiian Dragon Moray Eel, Leopard Moray Eel.
• Hawaiian Names: Pu-hi a-o, Pu-hi 'o-'a, Pu-hi we-la, and Pu-hi kauila.
• Scientific Name: Enchelycore pardalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1946).
• Previous Name: Muraena pardalis.
• • Dateline 11/98: After visiting Richard L. Pyle's Dragon Eel page we inquired with him as to the difference in the name Enchelycore pardalis he shows for this Eel, compared to the Muraena pardalis name that the Fishes of Hawaii book, our Hawaii Fish Collections Report, and other Net resources refer to it as. He said that it used to be in the genus Mureana, but that it was changed about 10 years or so ago to the genus Enchelycore. The Fishes of Hawaii book says that other names this eel appears as in books include Muraena lampra (Jenkins, 1903), Muraena kailuae (Jordan & Evermann, !903), and Muraena kauila (Jenkins, 1903), all of which Richard says are incorrect. Richard is an Ichthyology Collections Technician with the Bishop Museum in Hawaii (1990 to present). He is an expert in the field of Fish Studies in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Distribution: Extends from Hawai'i to southern Japan, and southward to central Polynesia, or the Indo-Pacific region.
• Size: To an average length of about three feet (36 inches).
• Minimum Tank Size Suggested: Smaller specimens 55 gallons; larger specimens no less than 75 gallons.
• Habitat: Predatory bottom dweller that requires plenty of shelter for hiding.
• Identification: This eel is one that cannot be mistaken for any other. With its bright yellow, orange-red, black and white coloration's, unusual patterns on the body, the sharp pointed head and the distinctive horns above the eyes, it is a one of a kind Eel. As you can see from the photos, this Eel does go through some different color and pattern changes as it grows into maturity.
• Characteristics & Compatibility: The Dragon Eel is a very aggressive species, has a mouth full of large sharp teeth, and the bottom jaw cannot close because it is curved. It is an escape artist and is prone to getting out of an aquarium that has an open top. This is is difficult to keep this with other fish, inverts and marine life due to its aggressivness and predatory nature. It is best kept in an aggressive species tank community with other larger predatory fish like Triggers, Puffers, Snappers, Groupers, Hawks, and Lionfishes. It is best kept singly, or as a mated pair. Even though it has an aggressive nature, it is a shy creature and needs plenty of shelter. In the beginning the eel will hide and you may not see it very often, but once adapted to its surroundings it will usually stick its head out of its hiding place during daylight hours. Specimens that have become comfortable with their surroundings have been reported to even lay out in the open in full view at times.
• Diet & Feeding: The Dragon Eel is a carnivore that will try to eat anything it can get its mouth around. It is a hunter and prefers to dine on live foods, such as small fish, crabs, shrimps, and squids. In captivity it may be difficult to get this eel to eat at first, with larger specimens sometimes not eating for several months. Providing a live food sources may help to stimulate its natural feeding instincts. Once adjusted to tank life it may begin to accept strips of fish flesh, such as smelt, haddock, orange roughy, as well as squid, given to them on a feeding stick. Only feed it when it wants to eat, which may be a couple of times a week up to several weeks in between feedings, and then only feed it as much as it will consume at one time.
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