Common name: Fimbriated moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax fimbriatus (Bennett, 1832)

General information

The Fimbriated Moray, also known as the Spot-Face Moray, is a species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its distinctive dark spots on the face and a fimbriated or fringed appearance along its dorsal fin. Gymnothorax fimbriatus is not as commonly kept as some other moray eels but can be a unique addition to a larger marine aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 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 Needs hiding places & a secure lid
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, especially at feeding
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
    Fimbriated moray
    Gymnothorax fimbriatus (Bennett, 1832)
  8. Synonyms
    Enchelycore tamarae Prokofiev, 2005
    Muraena bullata Richardson, 1848
    Muraena fimbriata Bennett, 1832
    Muraena isingleenoides Bleeker, 1852
    Thyrsoidea bullata (Richardson, 1848)

Care

Fimbriated Morays require a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places, as they are naturally reclusive. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when feeding, as moray eels can mistake a keeper's hand for food. They are generally hardy but should be kept in a tank with a secure lid to prevent escape.

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 fimbriatus is found in coral reefs and rocky crevices, typically at depths of up to 45 meters. They are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. Their range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands.