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Many aquarists are very happy to keep beautiful Bettas or regal Koi, but as with any hobby, there are those that yearn for something a little different. Thankfully the oceans are replete with fascinating species, and while not all of them are suitable for domestic aquariums, there are some that strike a happy balance between suitability and desirability.
 
One such species is the Snowflake Moray (Echidna nebulosa), one of the more congenial members of the Moray family and therefore a growing favourite amongst new and veteran aquarium hobbyists alike. Its striking marking give rise to its name, and despite its fearsome, gaping appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to keep. Reaching no more than 30 inches long, it will readily feed on fresh and frozen seafood such as chunks of shrimp, scallop or squid, but its conical teeth are perfect for crushing the invertebrates they love such as crabs and even mantis shrimps.
 
But beware – although they have no interest in corals and are technically “reef-safe”, their poor eyesight and keen sense of smell mean that feeding times can become a little frenzied, with the morays sometimes inadvertently taking a bite out of any tank-mates within reach. And these slippery serpents are also expert escapologists, taking every opportunity to slither out of even the smallest unsecured holes in aquarium tops, or even to make their way through PVC plumbing into filter bags or sumps.