Gymnothorax funebris

Datasheet

General Description

The Green Moray (Gymnothorax funebris) belongs to the Muraenidae family and is known for its elongated, serpentine body and bright green coloration. These predatory fish primarily feed on fish or crustaceans, requiring large meals every 3-4 days to prevent overeating. They have a relatively hardy nature but can exhibit aggressive behavior towards similar species.

Aquarium Suitability

Green Morays are suitable for special aquarium setups due to their large adult size, often necessitating tanks of over 2000 liters. They are escape specialists and can manipulate loose lids and glass covers, emphasizing the need for secure enclosures when housing them.

Demands

This species demands ample hiding spots within the aquarium, preferring to conceal themselves amongst live rocks. They have a tendency to rearrange rocks and sand, so ensuring stable substrate structures is crucial for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

With a hardy disposition, Green Morays are resilient inhabitants once acclimated to aquarium conditions. They can acclimatize better when introduced at a younger age, as very small individuals may be delicate. These eels should only be fed every few days to prevent overfeeding and potential harm.

Reef Suitability

While some smaller Moray eel species are suitable for reef environments, larger species like the Green Moray are best suited to large tanks with other sizable fish. They are classified as reef-safe with caution due to their predatory nature.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up the aquarium for Green Morays involves providing secure hiding spots among live rocks, ensuring rocks and decor are anchored securely to prevent toppling. A tank size exceeding 2000 liters is typically necessary, with water conditions maintained at a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and temperatures ranging from 22.2-25.6°C.

Behaviour

These eels may exhibit aggressive behavior towards larger fish and smaller crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. Their strong bite, while slightly venomous, is not typically harmful to humans, but caution should be exercised when handling them.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding a varied diet of fish and larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs is recommended for Green Morays. They can be initially hesitant to consume frozen foods and may require live prey to stimulate their appetite.

Habitat and Distribution

Green Morays are found in the Western Atlantic from New Jersey to Brazil, as well as in the eastern Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. They inhabit rocky crevices and coral reefs, utilizing their surroundings for shelter and hunting opportunities.