Reeflings

Common name: Chestnut moray

Scientific name: Enchelycore carychroa Böhlke & Böhlke, 1976

General information

The Lemonpeel Moray, scientifically known as Enchelycore carychroa, is a vibrant and striking species of moray eel found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. This species is known for its bright yellow coloration, which can vary in intensity among individuals. The Lemonpeel Moray is a smaller eel species, making it a more manageable choice for aquarists who are interested in keeping moray eels in their home aquariums.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
60 cm (2′)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers caves and overhangs
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys shrimp, squid, and fish
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish/inverts
Aggression
Aggresive Aggressive, especially when feeding
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
    Dragon Moray Eel
    Enchelycore
  7. Species
    Chestnut moray
    Enchelycore carychroa Böhlke & Böhlke, 1976

Care

Lemonpeel Morays require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places to mimic their natural rocky crevices. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. Care should be taken to ensure that they are not housed with small fish or invertebrates that they may view as prey. It is also important to have a secure lid on the aquarium, as moray eels are known to be escape artists.

Reproduction

In the wild, Lemonpeel Morays are solitary creatures, coming together only to breed. Little is known about their breeding habits in the wild, and breeding them in captivity is extremely rare. Hobbyists should not expect to breed this species in a home aquarium setting.

Habitat

Lemonpeel Morays are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They prefer reef environments with plenty of rockwork and crevices where they can hide and hunt for food. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep.