Fimbriated Moray Eel

This species has a pale body colour, covered in darker bars and spots all over its body. It has a dorsal fin running all the way down the top of its body and an anal fin running along the bottom. The head may have a slight yellow tinge to it, but this colouration is more obvious in juveniles. These eels have sharp teeth and good eyesight, so are not suitable for co-habiting with smaller, slower fish.

There is limited information about Fimbriated Morays breeding habits. It is understood in the wild that most Morays will reproduce in Spring or Summer. Morays have been observed wrapping their bodies around each other, with their mouths open. They release after releasing their gametes. A female can deposit up to 10,000 eggs

These are scaleless creatures, who produce a lot of body slime. Fibreglass ornaments may cause abrasions and a good filtration system is recommended for keeping water clean. Avoid using a medicine containing copper or organophosphates.

Their natural environment is in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes Madagascar, Indonesia, Southern Japan, Australia, and Micronesia. They usually inhabit seaward reefs and lagoons and can be found in small caves and harbours.

Tank Recommendations for Fimbriated Moray Eels

Tank size should be at least 125 gallons (473 litres) but should also be estimated by allocating 50 gallons to every 12 inches of Eel. Minimum recommended tank depth is 24 inches (60 centimetres).

Moray eels are capable of escaping from a tank, so it is a good idea to use a secure lid without any holes big enough for them to get through. Weighting the lid down will help prevent them from pressing against the lid in a shallow tank. Aquariums with a solid lid should also have an air pump to infuse the gap between the waters’ surface and lid.

Aquarists need to maintain high-quality water in the tank, as Morays can stop eating if the water is poor. Another requirement is a dark cave which is large enough for them to hide their whole body in. They need plenty of live rock which can be combined with PVC for creating hideouts. Strong water movement will aid filtration and the most suitable substrate is sand.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Fimbriated Moray Eels are predators and will eat small fish (up to 20% size of the Eels length). They are generally solitary in the wild, but a pair can be housed in a tank that is at least 250 gallons (946 litres).

Corals will not be deliberately targeted by Morays, but they may accidentally knock unsecured rocks with coral attached.

Usually Compatible

If the tank size is big enough this species can co-habit with other Eels.

Sometime Compatible

Larger semi-aggressive or aggressive fish may be suitable but need monitoring. If they are more than 20% of the Eels length and twice the depth of the Eels mouth opening, they are too big for it to prey on. Fish to consider include, Tangs, Large Angel, Groupers and Lionfish

Rarely Compatible

Avoid housing Fimbriated Morays with small fish, regardless of their temperament. This includes Gobies, Dwarf Angels, Clownfish, Dartfish, Anthias, Dottybacks and small Wrasse. A Cleaner Shrimp may be safe if introduced first but there is no guarantee.

Feeding your Fimbriated Moray Eel

This species is carnivorous and needs to feed on fresh or frozen meaty marine food. A suitable diet should include items such as scallops, shrimp, fresh squid, fish, and crustacean flesh. It is a good idea to use feeding tongs as Moray Eels can bite, causing a bacterial infection. Juveniles should be fed every other day, adults less often – usually 2-3 times per week.