Common name: Dwarf moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax melatremus Schultz, 1953
Dwarf Moray (Gymnothorax melatremus); Maui, Hawaii, United States of AmericaDwarf Moray Eel (Gymnothorax Melatremus) hides inside a red pencil urchin (Heterocentrotus mamillatus); Maui, Hawaii, United States of America
A close-up underwater view of a Dwarf Moray eel (Gymnothorax melatremus); Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, United States of AmericaDwarf Moray (Gymnothorax melatremus)

General information

The Black Pearlfish, also known as the Melatremus Moray, is a distinctive species of moray eel found in coral reef environments. It is recognized for its sleek, dark body and small size compared to other moray eels. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other eels, but it can be a fascinating addition for experienced aquarists who appreciate its unique appearance and behavior.

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
13 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers hiding spots
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys varied meaty foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish/inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive if provoked
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
    Dwarf moray
    Gymnothorax melatremus Schultz, 1953
  8. Synonyms
    Lycodontis melatremus (Schultz, 1953)

Care

Caring for a Black Pearlfish requires a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places, as they are naturally reclusive. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. It's important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. Due to their potential to grow up to 30 cm in length, a larger tank is recommended to accommodate their size and provide ample swimming space.

Reproduction

Reproduction in captivity is rare for Black Pearlfish. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are fertilized externally by the male. The larvae are pelagic, drifting in the open ocean before settling into the reef environment.

Habitat

Gymnothorax melatremus 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 prefer reef-associated habitats, often hiding in crevices and small caves at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.