Common name: conger moray
General information
The Goldentail Moray (Gymnothorax miliaris) is a striking species of moray eel found in the tropical Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its vibrant yellow tail and beautiful patterned body, which makes it a visually appealing addition to any marine aquarium. Despite its fierce appearance, it is relatively docile towards humans but can be aggressive towards tank mates.
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
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places & careful handling
- 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, especially when hungry
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsGymnothorax
- Speciesconger morayGymnothorax miliaris (Kaup, 1856)
- SynonymsGymnothorax elaboratus (Poey, 1860)Gymnothorax flavopictus (Kaup, 1856)Gymnothorax irregularis (Kaup, 1856)Gymnothorax scriptus Poey, 1867Lycodontis elaboratus (Poey, 1860)Lycodontis flavopictus (Kaup, 1856)Lycodontis irregularis (Kaup, 1856)Lycodontis miliaris (Kaup, 1856)Muraena aurea Mowbray, 1931Muraena elaborata Poey, 1860Muraena flavopicta (Kaup, 1856)Muraena irregularis (Kaup, 1856)Muraena miliaris (Kaup, 1856)Muraena multiocellata Poey, 1860Muraena myrialeucostictus Fowler, 1912Muraena trinitatis Miranda Ribeiro, 1919Murenophis miliaris (Kaup, 1856)Sidera elaborata (Poey, 1860)Sidera miliaris (Kaup, 1856)Thrysoidea miliaris Kaup, 1856
Care
Goldentail Morays require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. They can grow up to 24 inches in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their size. These eels are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. It's important to feed them with tongs to avoid accidental bites, as they have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell.
Reproduction
In the wild, Goldentail Morays are solitary creatures and come together only to breed. Little is known about their breeding habits in the wild, and breeding them in captivity is extremely rare and not well documented.
Habitat
Goldentail Morays are typically found in coral reef environments and rocky areas where they can find shelter in crevices. They prefer shallow waters but can be found at depths of up to 150 feet. Their natural range extends from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea.