Common name: Brown moray

General information

The Green Moray Eel (Gymnothorax vicinus) is a large and charismatic species that is popular among advanced marine aquarium hobbyists. Despite its common name, the Green Moray's skin is actually a dark blue or brownish color; the green appearance is due to a yellow mucus that covers its body, which may have antibacterial properties. This species can grow to an impressive size, often reaching lengths of up to 2.5 meters in the wild.

Care

Caring for a Green Moray Eel requires a spacious aquarium with a tightly sealed lid to prevent escape. They are powerful and can dislodge poorly secured equipment or rockwork. The tank should include plenty of hiding places and be equipped with a robust filtration system to handle the significant amount of waste they produce. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of fresh or frozen seafood.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Green Moray Eels in home aquariums is extremely rare. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females releasing large amounts of eggs that are fertilized externally by the male. The larvae are pelagic and drift in the open ocean before settling to the reef.

Habitat

Green Moray Eels are found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, from New Jersey, USA, to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer reef environments and are often found in crevices and caves at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.