Common name: Chained moray
General information
The Chain Moray Eel, Echidna catenata, is a distinctive and fascinating species in the marine aquarium hobby. Known for its striking chain-like pattern, this eel is a member of the family Muraenidae. It is a nocturnal predator, typically hiding in crevices during the day and emerging at night to hunt.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive if not well-fed
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsEchidna
- SpeciesChained morayEchidna catenata (Bloch, 1795)
- SynonymsEchida catenata (Bloch, 1795)Echidna catenata flavofasciata Poey, 1867Echidna flavofasciata Poey, 1867Echidna fuscomaculata Poey, 1867Gymnothorax catenatus Bloch, 1795Muraena alusis Bleeker, 1856Muraena catenata (Bloch, 1795)Muraena sordida Cuvier, 1816Muraenophis catenula Lacepède, 1803Poecilophis catenatus (Bloch, 1795)
Care
Chain Moray Eels require a specialized aquarium setup due to their size and natural behaviors. A secure lid is essential to prevent escape, and plenty of rockwork or PVC pipes should be provided for hiding places. They can grow up to 65 cm in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their size. These eels are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp.
Reproduction
In the wild, Chain Moray Eels are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are fertilized externally by the male. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but understanding their natural reproductive behavior can be beneficial for overall care.
Habitat
Echidna catenata is found in the Western Atlantic from New Jersey, USA, and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit shallow reefs and rocky areas, often hiding in crevices or under rocks during the day.