Photo by Polpich Komson, 10/18/2008
An unidentified species of dwarf moray eel found? James Dandar, of St Pete Saltwater Aquarium Store LLC, recently communicated this to Richard Back of Afishionado on March 30,2022. James has kept this gold and purple dwarf moray eel for the last 2 years, which his supplier sourced from Sri Lanka. The moray has maintained a size of approximately 8 inches over the last 2 years. James stated the eel currently “only eats freshly killed ghost shrimp or peppermint shrimp” while under his care.
James provided the following photos, video, and his correspondence with the Smithsonian Museum.
Taken when just arrived at James Dandar’s store
Specimen living in a dedicated nano tank at the store for the last 2 years
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w98p5p83mv4chln/PXL_20220403_210810019.TS.mp4
James Dandar also reached out to the Smithsonian Museum. A tissue sample he provided did not positively identify it as any existing specimen of eel to date. David Smith from the Smithsonian Institute replied, “It is closely linked to an unidentified specimen from the Philippines that is in our collection.”
Species Database provided by Smithsonian Museum
Apparently this gold and purple dwarf moray was photographed (feature photo) and shared by photographer Polpich Komson of Indonesia back in October 18, 2008, and shared on Flickr.
As you can see, the ocean is still a great unknown today with much to explore and learn from in order to preserve it.
I have two specimens of the same species. They were both hand collected off the coast of Fujeirah in the United Arab Emirates. Please get in touch so we can unveil the mystery around it.
Hello Cliff,
The Smithsonian is still researching this animal. Please send a link to photos of the eel and I will forward them to the Museum. This will help them study this animal and hopefully we will soon learn it’s identity! Thank You
Update: this eel has been identified as Gymnothorax Psuedoherri by the Smithsonian Museum. Your eel may be this species or a new species they are currently classifying that was captured in Saudi Arabia.
Hello Cliff,
The Smithsonian museum is currently collecting photos of this type of eel.
If you have any photos of this type of eel please send them to my companies Facebook page and I will forward your photos to the museum.
Facebook.com/st.petesalt
Hi James
Apologies I havent visited the page in a while. Just saw this.
We still have both specimens and they havent grown at all since. So im assuming this is their adult size meaning they are true dwarves.
I will take pics and send them soon. I did look into Gymnothorax Pseudoherri online, might not be the same.
So proud of Mr. Dandar and his incredible work and determination to identify this species. I hope his contributions and efforts will encourage others to identify, appreciate and protect Mother Earth’s marine life and ecosystems.
Thank you Mr. Melvin!
There is always more to learn 🙂
I have owned this moray eel since March 2017. At first he was in a separate system to get him to eat. After half a year I put him in my large aquarium and since then he was missing. Now, 5 years later I have emptied my aquarium. And guess who I run into? Right, this little dwarf moray:-). He hasn’t grown anything. It is a small permanent hidden species. I can posts some pics if you want…
Hello Ageten,
If you have any photos please send them to my companies Facebook page.
facebook.com/st.petesalt
The Smithsonian museum is currently collecting photos of this species and I will forward your photos to them.
Hello Cliff,
You can also send pictures to my email if that is more convenient.
[email protected]
Your specimens are likely a new species, mine was gymnothorax psuedoherrie.
Hello Aegten,
You can also send pictures to my email if that is more convenient.
[email protected]
Thank you