Common name: Yellow-edged moray

General information

The Yellow-edged Moray, Gymnothorax flavimarginatus, is a striking and robust species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its dark brown to greenish body coloration with a distinctive yellow margin along the dorsal fin that extends from the head to the tail. This species can grow quite large, reaching lengths of up to 240 centimeters, making it an impressive sight in any aquarium.

Moray eels have a unique hunting strategy that involves a second set of jaws in their throat called pharyngeal jaws, which they use to grasp and pull prey down their esophagus.

Care

Yellow-edged Morays require a large and well-structured aquarium to accommodate their size and provide ample hiding spaces. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not small enough to be considered prey.

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 flavimarginatus is commonly found in coral reef environments and rocky outcrops, often hiding within crevices during the day. They are widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, and from southern Japan to Australia.