Common name: Stout moray

Scientific name: Muraena robusta Osório, 1911
Close-up of a Stout moray eel (Muraena robusta) with sharp teeth; Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, United States of AmericaSTOUT MORAY  on the reef in Hawaii.

General information

The Giant Moray, scientifically known as Muraena robusta, is a large and impressive species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is one of the largest moray eels, capable of reaching lengths of over 2 meters. The Giant Moray has a distinctive elongated body with a brownish to olive coloration, which helps it blend into the rocky crevices and coral reefs it calls home.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
500 liter (130 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
2 m (6′7″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Needs large, secure hiding places
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat smaller fish/inverts
Aggression
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
    Stout moray
    Muraena robusta Osório, 1911
  8. Synonyms
    Gymnothorax galetae Rubinoff, 1966
    Gymnothorax nevezi Roux, 1957
    Murenophis robustus (Osório, 1911)

Care

Giant Morays require large and well-established aquariums due to their size and territorial nature. They need plenty of hiding spaces and a secure lid to prevent escape. These eels are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Caution is advised when feeding, as they can deliver a powerful bite.

Reproduction

In the wild, Giant Morays reproduce through a process called broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. In captivity, breeding is rare and not well-documented. These eels are solitary creatures and only come together to mate.

Habitat

Giant Morays are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They prefer reef environments and are often found in lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of up to 50 meters.