Gymnothorax meleagris

Datasheet

General Description

The Turkey Moray (Gymnothorax meleagris), also known as the Spotted eel, Whitemouth moray, or Guineafowl moray, belongs to the Muraenidae family of predatory fish. This species is native to the East African regions to locations such as the Marquesas and Mangareva, extending north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands and south to Lord Howe Island. They are commonly found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Central/West Pacific.

Aquarium Suitability

The Turkey Moray is suitable for aquariums with caution, as they are known escape specialists capable of lifting lids and glass covers. They require a tank of at least 800 liters in capacity and thrive best when provided with ample hiding spots such as live rocks. Due to their predatory nature, they may pose a threat to larger fish and smaller crustaceans in the tank.

Demands, Care and Hardiness

This species is considered hardy and can rearrange rocks and sand in the aquarium. It is recommended to secure rocks to prevent toppling. The Turkey Moray should be fed a varied diet of whole shrimps or small fish every 3-4 days to avoid overeating. They may take some time to acclimate to aquarium feeding habits and can be offered live prey if needed.

Reef Suitability

Reef compatibility of the Turkey Moray is rated as safe with caution. While some smaller Moray eel species can coexist in reef aquariums, larger species like the Turkey Moray may be better suited to larger tanks with bigger fish due to their size and predatory behavior.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up the aquarium for a Turkey Moray, it is essential to provide secure hiding places between rocks and ensure that the tank is tightly closed to prevent escapes. Maintaining water conditions with a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Turkey Morays might exhibit aggressive behavior towards similar species and require space to move freely within the tank. They are known for their ability to rearrange the tank environment, so precautions must be taken to secure decor.

Feeding and Diet

A diet consisting of fish and larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs is ideal for the Turkey Moray. Feeding should occur every 3-4 days, with attention to providing raw and fresh food. If they show reluctance towards frozen foods initially, offering live prey can stimulate their appetite.

Dimorphism

Male and female Turkey Morays may exhibit differences in size, with males typically being slightly larger. In a captive setting, successful reproduction has been achieved by providing suitable conditions for breeding.

Habitat and Distribution

The Turkey Moray inhabits a wide geographic range from East Africa to the Pacific islands. They prefer rocky crevices and coral reefs as their natural habitat, where they can hide and hunt for prey efficiently.