Gymnothorax flavimarginatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Yellow-edged moray (Gymnothorax flavimarginatus) is a species of moray eel belonging to the Muraenidae family. These predatory fish primarily feed on fish or crustaceans and are known for their yellow-edged markings along their bodies. They can grow up to a maximum size of 240.0cm and are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian islands and down to New Caledonia.

Aquarium Suitability

Yellow-edged morays are considered suitable for special aquariums due to their demanding nature. They require a very large tank, with a minimum size of 1500 liters when fully grown. Their escape artist tendencies make securing the tank crucial, as they can lift lids and glass covers with ease. It is essential to provide ample hiding spaces within the tank, as these eels have a habit of rearranging rocks and sand.

Care and Hardiness

With a hardy nature, Yellow-edged morays are relatively low-maintenance if their needs are met. Feeding these eels a varied diet of fish and larger crustaceans every 3-4 days is essential to their well-being. They may take some time to adjust to aquarium feeding habits, but offering live food initially can help stimulate their appetite.

Reef Suitability

While some Moray eels may be suitable for reef aquariums, the Yellow-edged moray is considered reef safe with caution. Their aggressive nature towards similar species and threat to smaller crustaceans and fish make careful consideration necessary when keeping them in a reef setup.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Yellow-edged morays should prioritize safety and space. Fastening rocks and corals securely to the tank is advised due to their territorial behavior. Maintaining water conditions with a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their health.

Behaviour

These eels can be aggressive towards species similar in size and can pose a threat to larger fish and crustaceans due to their predatory nature. Providing adequate hiding places within the tank can help reduce stress and aggressive behavior.

Feeding and Diet

Yellow-edged morays should be fed a varied diet of fish and larger crustaceans every 3-4 days to prevent overeating. Offering raw or fresh whole shrimps or small fish like smelt can help stimulate their appetite. Feeding them live food initially, especially if they are not accepting frozen options, can aid in their acclimatization to aquarium feeding.

Dimorphism

This species has the unique ability to change gender from female to male when required, with females transitioning to males to fulfill reproductive roles within a group.

Habitat and Distribution

Yellow-edged morays are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea and South Africa to the Tuamoto and Austral islands. They can also be spotted in the Eastern Pacific, including areas like Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galapagos Islands.