More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 65 litres / 17.17 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 30.5cm / 12.01inches |
| Reef Compatible | With Caution |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Care Description | Easy |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Golden Dwarf Moray Eel (Gymnothorax melatremus) is a small Moray Eel species, reaching only about 12 inches in length. It exhibits a striking coloration, varying from rich yellow to brown with a lighter-colored belly, often adorned with light brown dots or a subtle speckled pattern. A distinguishing feature of this eel is its pale blue "cat eyes."
Aquarium Suitability
Requiring a minimum tank size of 65 gallons, the Golden Dwarf Moray Eel is relatively easy to care for but demands a well-established aquarium with strong filtration. An efficient protein skimmer is advised due to their carnivorous diet, which can result in high waste production. Ensuring a tightly-fitting aquarium top is crucial to prevent escapes, as they are skilled at finding openings.
Care and Hardiness
Being a predator with a semi-aggressive temperament, the Golden Dwarf Moray Eel needs two to three substantial meaty meals per week, such as live or frozen fish, krill, shrimp, or crustacean flesh. Feeding should be done using a feeder stick to prevent hand injuries, given their poor eyesight and powerful jaws equipped with sharp teeth.
Reef Suitability
This species is considered reef-compatible with caution, although it may prey on smaller tankmates.
Aquarium Setup
For the Golden Dwarf Moray Eel, aquascape the tank liberally with live rock of various shapes to create caves, crevices, and tunnels for exploration and shelter during the day. Artificial dens made from appropriately sized PVC tubes can also be utilized. They are primarily nocturnal, so expect more activity during the night.
Behaviour
During the day, these eels prefer hiding and become more active at night in search of food. Their behavior is typical of Moray Eels, with a propensity for escaping and exploring their environment.
Feeding and Diet
The Golden Dwarf Moray Eel is a carnivore requiring a diet of meaty foods two to three times a week. Care must be taken to offer suitable prey items and to avoid feeding by hand to prevent injuries.
Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction
Dimorphism information and details of captive reproduction exhibit by the Golden Dwarf Moray Eel are not specified or covered in the provided information.
Habitat and Distribution
Found in the wild, the Golden Dwarf Moray Eel inhabits reef environments within subtropical and tropical regions. Specific details regarding its habitat and distribution beyond this are not provided.