Common name: California moray

General information

The California Moray, Gymnothorax mordax, is a species of moray eel found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its distinctive dark brown to green coloration and the ability to grow up to 1.5 meters in length. These eels have a serpentine body shape, which allows them to navigate through the complex structures of their rocky reef habitats.

Moray eels have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell, which they use to hunt for prey during the night. They are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of fish and invertebrates.

Care

Keeping a California Moray in a home aquarium requires a large tank with plenty of hiding places, as they are reclusive by nature. They are escape artists, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. These eels can be aggressive and are best kept with larger fish that they cannot eat. They require a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp.

Reproduction

In the wild, California Morays are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and not well-documented.

Habitat

California Morays are found in rocky reefs and kelp forests from the Gulf of California to central California. They prefer crevices and overhangs where they can hide during the day, emerging at night to hunt. They are typically found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 40 meters.