Common name: painted moray
General information
The Painted Moray, Gymnothorax pictus, is a striking and somewhat elusive species that adds a touch of drama to any marine aquarium. Known for its distinctive pattern of black spots and blotches against a creamy yellow background, this moray eel can grow to a considerable size, making it a centerpiece in larger tanks.
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
- 75 cm (2′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
- 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 to tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsGymnothorax
- Speciespainted morayGymnothorax pictus (Ahl, 1789)
- SynonymsGymnothorax hilonis Jordan & Evermann, 1903Muraena atomaria Solander in Richardson, 1848Muraena elegantissima Kaup, 1856Muraena erythroptera Solander in Richardson, 1848Muraena picta Ahl, 1789Muraena siderea Richardson, 1848Siderea picta (Ahl, 1789)Sideria picta (Ahl, 1789)
Care
Caring for a Painted Moray requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to mimic its natural habitat. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Caution is advised when maintaining the tank, as moray eels can deliver a powerful bite if threatened.
Reproduction
In the wild, moray eels are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by males. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented for this species.
Habitat
Gymnothorax pictus is typically 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 environments and are often found in crevices or under overhangs at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.