Common name: Yellow-mouthed moray eel

Scientific name: Gymnothorax nudivomer (Günther, 1867)

General information

The Giant Moray (Gymnothorax nudivomer) is a large and impressive species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its elongated body, which can reach lengths of over 2 meters, and its distinctive coloration, typically a dark brown or green with small yellow spots. This species is not commonly kept in home aquariums due to its size and aggressive nature, but it is of interest to advanced hobbyists with very large systems.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
1.2 m (3′11″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and open space
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live and frozen foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish and inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially at feeding
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
    Yellow-mouthed moray eel
    Gymnothorax nudivomer (Günther, 1867)
  8. Synonyms
    Gymnothorax insignis Seale, 1917
    Gymnothorax xanthostomus Snyder, 1904
    Lycodontis nudivomer (Günther, 1867)
    Muraena nudivomer Günther, 1867

Care

Giant Morays require a spacious aquarium with a tightly sealed lid to prevent escape. They need plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural environment. Due to their predatory nature, they should only be housed with large, robust fish that can hold their own. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans is essential for their health.

Reproduction

Breeding Giant Morays in captivity is extremely rare. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females releasing eggs that are fertilized externally by the male. The larvae are planktonic and will drift in the open ocean before settling to the bottom as they mature.

Habitat

Giant Morays are typically found in coral reefs and rocky areas, often hiding in crevices during the day. They are widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, and from south Japan to Australia. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 30 meters deep.