Common name: Chestnut moray
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusDragon Moray EelEnchelycore
- SpeciesChestnut morayEnchelycore 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.