Common name: White-jawed moray eel

General information

The Spotted Moray, Gymnothorax moringa, is a species of moray eel found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its distinctive dark brown to greenish body covered with small, irregularly shaped yellow spots, which provide excellent camouflage among the reefs and rocky substrates it inhabits.

Moray eels have an elongated, snake-like body and a peculiar way of breathing that involves opening and closing their mouths to pump water over their gills. This behavior can be mistaken for aggression, but it's simply their way of respiration.

Care

Spotted Morays can grow to a considerable size, often reaching lengths of up to 4 feet in captivity. They require a large tank with a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. The aquarium should have plenty of rockwork and crevices for hiding, as they are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day.

These eels are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when feeding, as moray eels have sharp teeth and a powerful bite.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spotted Morays reproduce through external fertilization, where females release eggs and males release sperm into the water column simultaneously. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well documented.

Habitat

Spotted Morays are commonly found in coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 200 feet. They are solitary creatures and establish territories that they defend from other eels.

Their range extends from North Carolina in the United States, through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, to the northern coast of South America.