Common name: White-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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyMoray EelsMuraenidae
- GenusMoray EelsMuraena
- SpeciesWhite-spotted morayMuraena argus (Steindachner, 1870)
- SynonymsGymnothorax 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.