Common name: tiger moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax enigmaticus McCosker & Randall, 1982
Marine life, Liuqiu island, TaiwanMarine life, Liuqiu island, Taiwan
Enigmatic Moray Eel (Gymnothorax enigmaticus)Marine life, Liuqiu island, Taiwan

General information

The Enigmatic Moray (Gymnothorax enigmaticus) is a lesser-known species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is recognized for its elongated body and distinctive coloration, which includes a dark background with a pattern of light spots and blotches. This species can reach a considerable size and is known for its secretive nature, often hiding in crevices and holes within the reef.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 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
75 cm (2′6″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires hiding spots
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food
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
    tiger moray
    Gymnothorax enigmaticus McCosker & Randall, 1982

Care

Enigmatic Morays require a large and well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet consisting of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when feeding, as moray eels can sometimes mistake a hobbyist's hand for food, leading to potential bites.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Enigmatic Moray in the wild or captivity. They are presumed to be similar to other moray eels, which typically involve external fertilization where eggs and sperm are released into the water column.

Habitat

The Enigmatic Moray is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They prefer to stay hidden during the day and are more active at night when they hunt for prey.