Common name: Fimbriated moray
General information
The Fimbriated Moray, also known as the Spot-Face Moray, is a species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its distinctive dark spots on the face and a fimbriated or fringed appearance along its dorsal fin. Gymnothorax fimbriatus is not as commonly kept as some other moray eels but can be a unique addition to a larger marine aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 75 cm (2′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places & a secure lid
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish & inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially at feeding
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsGymnothorax
- SpeciesFimbriated morayGymnothorax fimbriatus (Bennett, 1832)
- SynonymsEnchelycore tamarae Prokofiev, 2005Muraena bullata Richardson, 1848Muraena fimbriata Bennett, 1832Muraena isingleenoides Bleeker, 1852Thyrsoidea bullata (Richardson, 1848)
Care
Fimbriated Morays require a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places, as they are naturally reclusive. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when feeding, as moray eels can mistake a keeper's hand for food. They are generally hardy but should be kept in a tank with a secure lid to prevent escape.
Reproduction
In the wild, moray eels are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by the male. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented for this species.
Habitat
Gymnothorax fimbriatus is found in coral reefs and rocky crevices, typically at depths of up to 45 meters. They are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. Their range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands.