Snowflake Moray Eel

Geographic Origin and Biotope: MARINE species widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific (from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii). It is one of the most common moray eels in shallow coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Snowflake Moray (Echidna nebulosa). A "pebble-toothed moray". The dentition is not suited for grasping slippery fish, but is blunt and flat, perfect for breaking crab carapaces. Visible tubular nostrils on the snout.

Social Behavior: Docile and relatively peaceful moray eel (by family standards). Spends the day hidden in rocks with its head protruding, venturing out at dusk. Although almost blind, it has an extraordinary sense of smell.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Beautiful white or yellowish livery studded with two or more rows of "snowflakes": black or dark brown patches with a yellow center. No sexual dimorphism. With age, the black flakes fade slightly.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 300 liters (75 gallons). INDISPENSABLE lid without the slightest gap. Set up with lots of live rock to create tunnels, securely glued as this moray has a lot of muscular strength and can cause them to collapse.

Diet and Feeding: Exclusively carnivorous (crustaceans). Feed 2-3 times a week with tongs: krill, shrimp, squid. Offer whole prey. Overfeeding causes fatty liver and premature death; do not feed it every day.

Water Quality: Very resistant to parameter variations, even tolerates higher nitrate levels than other marine fish (although not ideal). Maintain Salinity 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, strong movement, and abundant oxygen.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent for FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquariums. "Reef Safe" with corals, but will devour ornamental crustaceans (cleaner shrimp, hermit crabs). Generally peaceful with large fish; very small sleeping fish might be eaten accidentally.

Aquarium Reproduction: Never successfully bred in home aquariums. In nature, it is a pelagic spawner, releasing fertilized eggs in the oceanic water column (leptocephalus larval stage).

Risks and Diseases: Jumping out of the tank. Copper sensitivity: if medications are used (e.g. for Oodinium in tankmates), morays quickly absorb heavy metals through their bare skin. Can inflict painful but non-venomous bites.