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Common Moray Eel

Family: MuraenidaeGymnothorax kidakoPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   Moray Eels are true eels. Usually when the Common Moray Eel arrives at a marine fish supplier, they are juveniles, about 8-10 inches long.

   This Common Moray Eel is about 2 1/2 feet. They are very colorful with interesting patterns. The Common Moray Eel will usually hang out in it's hole with it's head poking out. Their mouths gape as they respire showing off their long teeth which is often mistaken as a sign of aggression.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Geographic Distribution Gymnothorax kidako Data provided by FishBase.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Anguilliformes Family: Muraenidae

Maintenance difficulty:    The Common Moray Eel is easy to keep. Most eels are very hardy and readily eat all kinds of live and meaty foods.

Maintenance:    Feed all kinds of live fish and meaty foods. Use a poker if necessary at first to place the food right in front of their mouth. Don't worry if it doesn't eat for a while at first, they can go for several weeks without food (and often do).

Habitat: Natural geographic location:    Common Moray Eel are found in the Indo-Pacific.

Foods:    They feed mainly on small fishes in the wild with an occasional invertebrate.

Social Behaviors:    Sociable and peaceful, can be considered a community fish as long as the tankmates are not small enough to eat!

Sex: Sexual differences:    Unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:    Probably not possible in the aquarium. See Breeding Marine Fish page for a description of how they reproduce in the wild.

   Several freshwater species are known to lay their eggs in the ocean and die afterwards.

Light: Recommended light levels:    No special requirements.

Temperature:    No special requirements. Normal temperatures for marine fish is between 74 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Length/Diameter of fish:    Common Moray Eel adults can grow to 80cm (32 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:    A minimum 100 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong    No special requirements.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom    Will generally stay in the bottom of the aquarium. Will find a cave or crawl under a rock and spend most of their time there with only their heads sticking out.

Availability:    This fish is available from time to time.

Author: David Brough. CFS.

Lastest Comments on Common Moray Eel View all 2 comments on Common Moray Eel Add Your Comment

joe - 2010-02-22 When I was scuba diving, I saw one of these moray eels and it was close to 6 feet! They are one big eel. Reply

Jeff - 2011-01-01 I just purchased a 2'ft brackish water Marble Moray Eel. What is the best food for it and the best time to feed it? Reply

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