Common name: White-edged moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax albimarginatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
White-Margin Moray Eel hunting - Gymnothorax albimarginatus

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

  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
    Gymnothorax
  7. Species
    White-edged moray
    Gymnothorax albimarginatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
  8. Synonyms
    Muraena 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.