Common name: White-edged moray
General information
The White-edged Moray, Gymnothorax albimarginatus, is a striking species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is recognized by its dark body and contrasting white edges along the fins. This species can grow to a considerable size, making it a notable presence in any large marine aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- 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 to tankmates.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsGymnothorax
- SpeciesWhite-edged morayGymnothorax albimarginatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
- SynonymsMuraena albimarginata Temminck & Schlegel, 1846
Care
White-edged Morays require a spacious aquarium with a tightly sealed lid to prevent escape. They need plenty of hiding places and a cave-like structure where they can retreat. These eels are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when feeding as moray eels have sharp teeth and a powerful bite.
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 albimarginatus is typically found in coral reef environments and rocky outcrops in the Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They prefer depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep.