Blue Ribbon Eel

Photo: Justin Carmack · © all rights reserved

Blue ribbon eels are protandrous hermaphrodites that begin life as black juveniles, transition to brilliant electric-blue males, and finally become yellow females before death — making colour alone a reliable indicator of sex and life stage. At Basak they occupy sandy burrow openings from which they extend the front third of their body to snap at small fish, retreating instantly at any perceived threat.