Enchelycore pardalis

Datasheet

General Description

The Leopard moray eel, scientifically known as Enchelycore pardalis, belongs to the Muraenidae family, commonly referred to as Moray eels. These predatory fish primarily feed on fish or crustaceans and are characterized by their striking leopard-like patterns along their slender bodies. They can grow up to 92.0cm in size and are known for their hardy nature.

Aquarium Suitability

With a minimum tank size of 1000 liters, Leopard moray eels are suitable for captivity with care. They are reef-safe with caution and may exhibit aggression towards similar species, emphasizing the need for careful tank mates selection. These eels are escape specialists and can easily move loose tank covers, requiring secure closures to prevent them from escaping.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Leopard moray eels have specific care requirements, including a varied and raw diet consisting of large meals every 3-4 days. They must be fed fresh and whole foods like shrimps or small fish to prevent overeating. These eels might take some time to acclimate to aquarium feeding but can be enticed with live food initially. Their tank should have ample hiding spots between live rocks, as they tend to rearrange rocks and sand in the aquarium.

Reef Suitability

While some Moray eel species are compatible with reef aquariums, larger species like the Leopard moray eel are best suited for large tanks with other sizable fish due to their predatory nature. They may not be ideal for reef setups with smaller crustaceans like shrimps and crabs as they pose a threat to them.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Leopard moray eels entails ensuring secure closures to prevent escapes, providing ample hiding spaces with live rocks, and securing rocks on the substrate to prevent toppling. The water conditions should be maintained within parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, KH 8-12, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Behaviour

These eels can exhibit aggressive behavior towards similar species and may pose a threat to larger fish in the tank. They have a habit of rearranging rocks and substrate in the aquarium, emphasizing the need for a securely set up tank to prevent damage or injuries.

Feeding and Diet

Leopard moray eels should be fed a diverse diet of fish and larger crustaceans like shrimps and crabs. Feeding should occur every 3-4 days with a large meal to prevent overeating, which can be detrimental to their health. If they refuse frozen foods, offering live food initially can help stimulate their appetite.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Leopard moray eels are found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Reunion to the Hawaiian, Line, and Society Islands, and extending north to southern Japan and southern Korea, and south to New Caledonia. They inhabit rocky crevices and coral reefs, utilizing these natural structures as hiding spots and hunting grounds.