Common name: Moray
General information
The Undulated Moray, Gymnothorax undulatus, is a species of moray eel found in coral reefs and rocky areas of the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its striking pattern of dark brown to greenish-yellow body with undulating vertical lines. This species can grow up to 1.5 meters in length, making it one of the larger eels that can be kept in home aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 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
- 1.5 m (4′11″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs hiding places
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Aggresive Aggressive, especially at feeding
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsGymnothorax
- SpeciesMorayGymnothorax undulatus (Lacepède, 1803)
- SynonymsGymnothorax undulates (Lacepède, 1803)Lycodontis undulata (Lacepède, 1803)Muraena cancellata Richardson, 1848Muraenophis undulata Lacepède, 1803
Care
Undulated Morays require a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a tightly fitting lid to prevent escape. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Caution should be exercised when feeding, as they have sharp teeth and a powerful bite.
Reproduction
In the wild, reproduction involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. Little is known about their breeding habits in home aquariums, as they rarely breed in captivity.
Habitat
Gymnothorax undulatus 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 Australia and New Caledonia. They prefer reef environments and rocky crevices at depths of up to 45 meters.