Common name: Chestnut moray

General information

The Chestnut Moray Eel, Gymnothorax castaneus, is a lesser-known species in the aquarium trade but can be a fascinating addition to a fish-only or large predator tank. It is characterized by its brown to chestnut coloration and a slender body that can reach up to 30 inches in length in the wild.

Moray eels have a unique hunting method involving a second set of jaws in their throat called pharyngeal jaws, which they use to grasp prey and pull it into their digestive system.

Care

Chestnut Moray Eels require a large aquarium with a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. They need plenty of hiding spots and crevices within live rock to feel secure. A sandy substrate is also recommended to allow them to burrow if they choose to.

Their diet should consist of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. It's important to feed them with tongs to avoid accidental bites, as moray eels have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell.

Reproduction

Reproduction in moray eels is not commonly observed in the home aquarium. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females releasing eggs and males fertilizing them in the water column. Larvae are planktonic before settling to the bottom and maturing.

Habitat

The Chestnut Moray Eel is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They typically inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.