Care
In the wild, this moray can be found further inland outside of the range of tidal influence and the influx of seawater than any of its kin. When found in freshwater, these habitats are usually hard and alkaline and this eel can live under these conditions for years, with adults being thought to migrate to the sea to spawn.
This large bottom-dweller requires a spacious aquarium with a soft sand substrate in which it can forage about for food and wallow. There should be a multitude of hiding places amongst rocky caves, pvc tubes, and hardy plants such as Java fern or Anubias. Filtration should be efficient with areas of moderate water movement, and some quieter resting areas out of the current. Frequent partial water changes are essential to keep nitrate to a minimum. A high KH is important in keeping this fish healthy and it can also be kept in brackish or marine aquaria. Longterm health may benefit from the addition of saltwater, especially for females which appear gravid. Moray Eels are highly predatory, however, they may be kept in groups in spacious aquaria and are usually compatible with other placid species too large to swallow. Although their eyesight is rather poor, moray eels have a keen sense of smell and can detect movement vibrations very well, quickly lunging at any potential prey. This includes the hands, so much care should be taken when carrying out maintenance on the aquarium - they are capable of giving a nasty bite! In order to prevent building an association between fingers and food, it's wise to avoid hand feeding morays of any kind. Ensure that the tank has tight fitting coverslides as these fish are accomplished escape artists.
May be seen under a few different names including Tiger or Snowflake freshwater moray.
Feeding
Can be tricky to get feeding, as newly imported specimens often refuse anything but live foods. Worms seem to be readily taken and Tubifex as well as earthworms are a good option whilst frozen meaty foods such as krill, prawns, mussel meat, crayfish tails, lancefish, whitebait etc. are introduced to the menu. Target feeding with long tweezers may be necessary to ensure all specimens are receiving a fair share, and at least one feed should be just before lights out.
