Common name: starry moray

Scientific name: Echidna nebulosa (Ahl, 1789)

General information

The Snowflake Eel, also known as the Clouded Moray or Starred Moray, is a distinctive and popular marine fish among aquarists. Echidna nebulosa is known for its unique and attractive pattern of black blotches and spots on a white to yellowish background, resembling a snowflake design, which is the origin of its common name.

This species is relatively hardy and can be a good choice for a fish-only or a larger reef aquarium with caution. It's important to note that while they are generally peaceful towards fish of similar size, they may prey on smaller fish and invertebrates due to their carnivorous nature.

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 spots
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food
Social
Solo Can be territorial
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish/inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Aggressive when provoked
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Eels
    Anguilliformes
  5. Family
    Moray Eels
    Muraenidae
  6. Genus
    Moray Eels
    Echidna
  7. Species
    starry moray
    Echidna nebulosa (Ahl, 1789)
  8. Synonyms
    ? boschi Bleeker, 1853
    Echidna variegata Bleeker, 1864
    Echidna variegata Forster, 1848
    Gymnothorax boschi (Bleeker, 1853)
    Lycodontis boschi (Bleeker, 1853)
    Muraena auloptera De Filippi, 1853
    Muraena boschii Bleeker, 1853
    Muraena echidna Gmelin, 1789
    Muraena nebulosa Ahl, 1789
    Muraena ophis Rüppell, 1830
    Poecilophis nebulosa (Ahl, 1789)

Care

Snowflake Eels require a well-secured aquarium with a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape, as they are known to be skilled at finding their way out of tanks. They need ample hiding places and a sandy substrate to burrow. These eels are nocturnal and prefer to hunt at night. They can be fed a variety of meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, and fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Snowflake Eels are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by males. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well documented.

Habitat

Echidna nebulosa is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and the Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island. They inhabit lagoons and coral reefs, often hiding in crevices during the day and emerging at night to feed.