Rhinomuraena quaesita
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
3-30 meters
The ribbon eel is one of the most visually spectacular and sought-after fish in Komodo National Park, a slender, serpentine moray eel with flared nostrils, a distinctive fan-shaped lower jaw, and colours so vivid they seem almost unnatural. Ribbon eels undergo a remarkable colour transformation through their life stages: juveniles are jet black with a yellow dorsal fin, sub-adults transition to a brilliant electric blue with yellow highlights, and fully mature individuals become entirely yellow — though the yellow phase is rarely seen as it coincides with a sex change from male to female. In Komodo, the electric blue male phase is the most commonly encountered, peering out from sandy burrows with its elongated nostrils flaring and its ribbon-like body swaying gently. They are typically found at sandy and rubble sites adjacent to reef structures, with only the head and upper body visible as the rest remains hidden in the burrow. Ribbon eels are shy and will retreat into their burrow if approached too quickly, but with patience, they provide extraordinary photographic opportunities. Their surreal appearance and colour changes make them one of Komodo's most memorable macro encounters.
Average Size
0.8-1m
Size Range
0.5-1.3m
Maximum Size
1.3m
Feeds primarily on small fish and shrimp that pass near its burrow entrance. Detects prey using its highly sensitive flared nostrils and strikes with a rapid lunge.
The ribbon eel is one of the most visually spectacular and sought-after fish in Komodo National Park, a slender, serpentine moray eel with flared nostrils, a distinctive fan-shaped lower jaw, and colours so vivid they seem almost unnatural. Ribbon eels undergo a remarkable colour transformation through their life stages: juveniles are jet black with a yellow dorsal fin, sub-adults transition to a brilliant electric blue with yellow highlights, and fully mature individuals become entirely yellow — though the yellow phase is rarely seen as it coincides with a sex change from male to female. In Komodo, the electric blue male phase is the most commonly encountered, peering out from sandy burrows with its elongated nostrils flaring and its ribbon-like body swaying gently. They are typically found at sandy and rubble sites adjacent to reef structures, with only the head and upper body visible as the rest remains hidden in the burrow. Ribbon eels are shy and will retreat into their burrow if approached too quickly, but with patience, they provide extraordinary photographic opportunities. Their surreal appearance and colour changes make them one of Komodo's most memorable macro encounters.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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They are found at sandy and rubble sites throughout the park. Wainilu, Secret Garden, and sandy patches near Siaba and Sabolon sites are good locations. Your guide will know the current resident locations.
