Reeflings

Common name: Moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax undulatus (Lacepède, 1803)

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

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
    Moray
    Gymnothorax undulatus (Lacepède, 1803)
  8. Synonyms
    Gymnothorax undulates (Lacepède, 1803)
    Lycodontis undulata (Lacepède, 1803)
    Muraena cancellata Richardson, 1848
    Muraenophis 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.