Common name: Greyface moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax thyrsoideus (Richardson, 1845)
Close-up of a Greyface Moray (Gymnothorax thyrsoideus). Anilao, PhilippinesWhite eyed moray eel
Hawksbill Turtle, The MaldivesWhite eyed moray eel - Gymnothorax thyrsoideus

General information

The Freckled Moray, scientifically known as Gymnothorax thyrsoideus, is a species of moray eel found in coral reef environments. It is recognized by its greyish to brownish body coloration with numerous small dark spots, which give it a 'freckled' appearance. This species can grow to a considerable size, making it an impressive addition to larger marine aquariums.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
60 cm (2′)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish/inverts.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially to small fish.
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

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
    Greyface moray
    Gymnothorax thyrsoideus (Richardson, 1845)
  8. Synonyms
    ? thyrsoideus Richardson, 1845
    Gymnothorax thrysoideus (Richardson, 1845)
    Gymnothorax thyrsoides (Richardson, 1845)
    Muraena prosopeion Bleeker, 1853
    Muraena thrysoidea Richardson, 1845
    Muraena thyrsoides Richardson, 1845
    Siderea prosopeion (Bleeker, 1853)
    Siderea thrysoidea (Richardson, 1845)
    Siderea thyrsoidea (Richardson, 1845)
    Siderea thysoidea (Richardson, 1845)

Care

Freckled Morays require spacious aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. They 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 can mistake a keeper's hand for food, leading to potential bites.

Reproduction

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

Habitat

Gymnothorax thyrsoideus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia. They typically inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.