Siderea thysoidea

Datasheet

General Description

The White-eyed Moray Eel (Siderea thysoidea), also known as the Greyface Moray, displays a tan and dark brown speckled thick-skinned body with a distinct purplish-gray head, bright white eyes, and a dorsal fin that spans the length of its body. Possessing backward-growing teeth and two jaws, this eel's outer jaw grasps prey while the second jaw moves forward to pull its meal into its mouth.

Aquarium Suitability

The White-eyed Moray Eel is not considered reef-safe due to its carnivorous nature, making it unsuitable for aquariums with small fish and crustaceans that may be seen as prey. It generally has a shy temperament, only resorting to biting when provoked or disturbed during feeding. It is recommended to use tongs to safely offer food due to its poor eyesight.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Requiring a minimum tank size of 189 liters, this eel species thrives in marine environments with water conditions ranging from a pH of 8.1-8.4, a KH of 8-12, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. It is semi-aggressive in temperament and benefits from an aquarium setup that includes ample rock structures with hiding spots and a sandy substrate for burrowing.

Reef Suitability

The White-eyed Moray Eel is not suitable for reef tanks as it may prey on small fish and crustaceans within the environment, posing a risk to the delicate ecosystem.

Aquarium Setup

The ideal aquarium setup for the White-eyed Moray Eel includes a lid, plenty of rocks with crevices for hiding, and a sandy substrate for burrowing. Providing a secure environment is crucial due to its reclusive nature and tendency to seek shelter in sand.

Behaviour

Known for its shy demeanor, the White-eyed Moray Eel can exhibit semi-aggressive behavior if provoked, particularly during feeding time. It is essential to handle this eel with care and use appropriate feeding tools to prevent accidental bites.

Feeding and Diet

As a carnivorous species, the diet of the White-eyed Moray Eel should consist of a variety of fresh or frozen meaty marine foods, including crabs, squid, and scallops. Offering a diverse diet helps ensure its nutritional needs are met in a home aquarium setting.

Dimorphism

Captive reproduction information for the White-eyed Moray Eel is not provided.

Habitat and Distribution

The White-eyed Moray Eel is commonly found in marine habitats and is known to inhabit tropical waters, showcasing a coloration of tan and dark brown with distinctive white eyes.