Common name: White-spotted moray

Scientific name: Muraena argus (Steindachner, 1870)
White spotted moray eel at the Komodo IslandsWhite spotted moray eel in coral reef
brown and white spotted moray on coral very close up on a reef of bonaire dutch caribbeanWhite Spotted Moray

General information

The Argus Moray Eel (Muraena argus) is a distinctive species known for its bold pattern of spots and blotches, which can provide excellent camouflage among the reefs and rocky substrates it inhabits. This species is also recognized by its white or yellow eyes, which stand out against its darker body coloration.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
750 liter (200 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
60 cm (2′)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Needs hiding places and large tank
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat smaller fish and inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when hungry
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
    Muraena
  7. Species
    White-spotted moray
    Muraena argus (Steindachner, 1870)
  8. Synonyms
    Gymnothorax argus Steindachner, 1870

Care

Argus Moray Eels require a large and well-secured aquarium, as they are known to be strong and can escape from poorly sealed tanks. They need plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural environment. Caution is advised when keeping them with other fish, as they may exhibit predatory behavior towards smaller tank mates.

Reproduction

In the wild, moray eels are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented for this species.

Habitat

Muraena argus 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 are typically found in coral reef environments and rocky areas, often hiding in crevices during the day.