Gymnothorax mordax

Datasheet

General Description

The California moray (Gymnothorax mordax) is a member of the Muraenidae family, commonly known as moray eels. These predatory fish mainly feed on fish or crustaceans and require feeding every 3-4 days with a large meal to avoid overeating. They have the ability to move loose objects in the aquarium and are adept escape artists. Moray eels can be slightly poisonous but are not typically dangerous to humans, although their bite is strong.

Aquarium Suitability

California morays are suitable for special aquarium setups due to their demands and behavior. They require a large tank size of at least 1500 liters with plenty of hiding spaces such as live rocks. They are hardy in terms of resilience but may be aggressive towards similar species and pose a threat to larger fish and small crustaceans in the tank.

Care and Hardiness

These moray eels are considered hardy and can be kept in marine aquariums with water temperatures between 22.2-25.6°C (72-78°F), pH levels of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity ranging from 1.020 to 1.025. They prefer water with a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Reef Suitability

California morays are reef safe with caution, as they may disrupt corals and other reef inhabitants if not compatible. Larger species of moray eels are more suitable for large tanks with bigger fish, while some smaller species can be incorporated into reef aquariums.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for California moray eels involves securing rocks and corals to prevent the eels from toppling them over. The tank must be tightly closed as these eels are skilled escape artists, capable of lifting lids and glass covers. Providing spaces between rocks for the morays to hide with their full length is crucial.

Behaviour

California morays are nocturnal creatures, most active when the lighting is dimmed or turned off. They have a tendency to rearrange rocks and sand in the tank and require a dimly lit environment to thrive.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding California moray eels a varied diet of raw, fresh fish and crustaceans every 3-4 days is essential for their well-being. If they refuse frozen food, offering live fish or shrimp with tweezers can stimulate their appetite. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent harm to the eels.

Habitat and Distribution

These moray eels are found in the East Pacific, Central, and West Pacific regions. They prefer cooler water temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C (64-75°F) in their natural environments. Habitat-wise, they require good hiding spots like live rocks in their aquariums to mimic their natural habitat.