Freshwater Moray Eel (Gymnothorax polyuranodon)

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Gymnothorax polyuranodon2334.jpg
Freshwater Moray Eel

Gymnothorax polyuranodon

379 Litres (100 US G.)

90-95 cm (35.4-37.4")

pH

8.0 - 8.5

25.6-28.9°C (78 -84 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

8-12 years

Family

Muraenidae





Additional names

Freshwater Moray Eel, Snowflake Eel

Additional scientific names

Lycodontis polyuranodon, Muraena polyuranodon


Sexing[edit]

Almost impossible to sex visually.


Tank compatibility[edit]

Tank mates must be relatively peaceful, robust larger fish. Smaller fish may well be mistaken for food.


Diet[edit]

A carnivorous fish that hunts by sense of smell rather than sight, as it is almost blind. It can be challenging to get this fish to eat in captivity, but once it's got the hang of it, it should be fed chunky meaty foods that must not be wider than its head, such as shrimp and silversides.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once every other day. This eel can go up to three months without food.


Environment specifics[edit]

Often marketed as freshwater, which it can survive in, this fish really does best in brackish conditions with a salinity of around 1.008 - 1.012, and can even live in full marine! They need a very large tank and a few hiding places. PVC pipe or rock with deep caves are a must to get the eel to relax. The tank must be tightly covered, as these fish are not afraid to leave the water when they smell food, and can fit through even the tiniest of gaps.


Behaviour[edit]

A nocturnal shy fish that is not intentionally aggressive, but due to its poor eyesight, can attack tank mates if it smells food.


Identification[edit]

A very elongate snake-like fish that is brown in colour with many small light coloured spots.

Pictures[edit]

Videos[edit]

Juveniles feeding on Hikari food sticks:

External links[edit]