Muraena lentiginosa

Datasheet

General Description

The Jeweled Moray Eel, scientifically known as Muraena lentiginosa, hails from the shorelines of the Eastern Pacific, spanning from the Gulf of California through Central America. It is one of the smaller Moray Eels, growing up to a maximum size of around 24 inches. Initially brown with gold spots as juveniles, they transition to a striking black color with beautiful white markings as they mature.

Aquarium Suitability

Regarded as an easy-to-care-for eel species, the Jeweled Moray Eel adapts well to aquarium life and doesn't require a significant amount of space despite its intimidating appearance. However, it is essential to note that they are escape artists, necessitating a tightly sealed tank to prevent them from wandering. Ideal for a 50-gallon or larger aquarium with ample live rock for hiding, these eels have high hardiness levels but can be aggressive towards tankmates, consuming any fish, crustacean, or eel they can fit in their mouth.

Care and Hardiness

With a reputation for being hardy, Jeweled Moray Eels are relatively easy to maintain; however, ensuring a secure aquarium lid is crucial due to their tendency to escape. These eels have specific dietary preferences and are primarily nocturnal predators, although they can adjust to feeding during daylight hours. They accept a varied diet that includes frozen or freeze-dried krill, fish, shrimp, and other meaty foods, and they can even be hand-fed with caution due to their potential to deliver painful bites.

Reef Suitability

Despite their captivating appearance, Jeweled Moray Eels are not considered reef-compatible due to their predatory nature and tendency to consume smaller tank inhabitants. Therefore, it is advisable to keep them in a species-specific tank or with larger, more robust companions that are not at risk of becoming eel snacks.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Jeweled Moray Eels should prioritize security due to their escapism tendencies. A tank of at least 50 gallons with a tightly sealed lid and ample hiding spots provided by live rock is recommended. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) between 8-12 will help ensure the eel's well-being in captivity.

Behaviour

Displaying an aggressive temperament, Jeweled Moray Eels are ambush predators that primarily feed at night. They can learn to adjust their feeding habits to daylight hours in an aquarium setting. When threatened or feeling vulnerable, they may retreat into hiding spots among the rocks until they feel secure enough to venture out again.

Feeding and Diet

As carnivorous creatures, Jeweled Moray Eels thrive on a diet rich in protein. They favor frozen or freeze-dried options like krill, fish, and shrimp, along with other meaty foods. These eels can be trained to hand-feed, but caution should be exercised to avoid accidental bites during this process.

Habitat and Distribution

Naturally found along the shores of the Eastern Pacific, Jeweled Moray Eels inhabit areas stretching from the Gulf of California to regions in Central America. They prefer rocky crevices and coral reefs as their natural habitat, utilizing these structures for protection and ambush hunting of prey.