In 2025, an underwater photographer shared a glimpse of a free-swimming ribbon eel in Mauritius.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMeet the mesmerising ribbon eel, gracefully gliding through the turquoise waters of Mauritius like a living ribbon!\u201d said underwater photographer\u00a0Ian Haggerty<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the footage, the bright blue and yellow fish can be seen undulating through the water. “Found in Indo-Pacific reefs, they\u2019re masters of slithering through the ocean like a silk scarf,\u201d he said. \u201cThis vibrant beauty, filmed free-swimming outside its burrow, showcases its stunning blue and yellow hues, flowing with elegance.\u201d<\/p>\n See the ribbon eel swimming through the ocean in Mauritius. Credit: Ian Haggerty RSA<\/p>\n Haggerty was surprised to spot the elegant creature while he was diving with scuba centre Ocean Spirit in\u00a0Mauritius<\/a> because these animals can be very shy and often spend lots of time hiding in their burrows. Seeing one free-swimming was \u201ca rare treat,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cFun fact,\u201d Haggerty added: \u201cThey can change from male to female as they age!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Image and video credit: Ian Haggerty RSA, diving with Ocean Spirit in Mauritius\u00a0<\/p>\n More amazing wildlife stories from around the world<\/p>\n