Yellow Margined Moray Eel - Small

Eel Yellow Margined Moray

The Yellow Margined Moray Eel is also known as the Leopard Moray or Speckled Moray. It has an attractive brown or black speckled pattern which covers the yellowish body. Its head is a greyish purple colour. The yellow margin, or edge, that gives it its name is found at the rear of the body. Juveniles may have a brighter yellow body with brown blotches. Adults can reach 90 inches (240 centimetres) in length. However, 30 inches (80 centimetres) is a more common length.

There is limited information about the breeding habits of this species. Generally, morays are oviparous, spawning eggs that the male fertilizes. They are hermaphroditic, the female will change to male if the situation requires it.

This species is found across the Indo-Pacific region. This includes The Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. It inhabits sheltered parts of seaward reefs and areas of coral or rubble on reef flats. Its depth range reaches as far as 150 metres.

Tank Recommendations for your Yellow Margined Eel

A suitably sized aquarium should be at least 300 gallons (1136 litres).

Caution is advised if housing in a reef environment. While it won't eat corals, it will consume reef invertebrates and small fish. Its size and movement may damage the reef or knock over coral if not properly secured. There should be plenty of rocks with caves and crevices. The Eel will use these for hiding so they need to be big enough for it to completely retreat into.

Moray Eels are expert escape artists, so a secure, weighted cover is recommended. They also tend to have a high bio-load which will need strong filtration in the tank.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Yellow Margined Moray Eels are only suitable for housing with larger fish. Any fish that is small enough to fit in its mouth may get eaten.

Invertebrates are also unsuitable as the Yellow Margined Moray will prey on them.

Usually Compatible

Larger species of fish such as certain Angelfish or Tangs make suitable tank buddies. It is important to make sure that tank buddies are too big for your Moray to eat.

Sometime Compatible

It may be possible to cohabit with other Moray Eels if the tank and Eels are of sufficient size,

Rarely Compatible

Avoid any fish and crustaceans that are small enough to fit in the Moray's mouth.

Feeding your Yellow Margined Moray Eel

The Yellow Margined Moray Eel is a carnivorous species. It will consume live or frozen meaty products. Suitable foods include shrimp, krill, silversides, and crustacean flesh. Hand-feeding isn't recommended as there is a risk of getting bitten. Feeding tongs are the best option. Feeding should occur 2-3 times per week.