Common name: Honeycomb moray

General information

The Honeycomb Moray, also known as the Laced Moray or Leopard Moray, is a striking species of moray eel with a distinctive pattern that resembles a honeycomb, hence its common name. This pattern provides excellent camouflage among the reefs and rocky crevices it inhabits. Gymnothorax favagineus is known for its robust size and can become a centerpiece in a large marine aquarium.

Care

Caring for a Honeycomb Moray requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places to mimic its natural environment. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to feed them using tongs to avoid accidental bites, as they have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell.

Reproduction

In the wild, Honeycomb Morays are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by males. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well documented, making it a challenge for advanced hobbyists.

Habitat

Gymnothorax favagineus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are often found in crevices and caves at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters deep.