
Gymnothorax fimbriatus
Family: Muraenidae ยท Eels
Also known as: Fimbriated Moray Eel, Spot-face Moray, Darkspotted Moray
The Fimbriated Moray is a handsome medium-sized moray eel recognized by its distinctive spotted pattern. Its body is yellowish to light brown covered with numerous dark brown to black spots and blotches, creating an attractive mottled appearance. The head features a particularly dense concentration of spots, giving the face a dark, freckled look that distinguishes it from other spotted morays. Reaching approximately 31.5 inches in length, it is a medium-sized moray suitable for larger dedicated aquarium systems.
In the wild, the Fimbriated Moray inhabits coral reefs, rocky shorelines, and lagoons throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It is a nocturnal predator that shelters in reef crevices during the day, emerging at night to hunt fish and crustaceans along the reef. Like other Gymnothorax species, it possesses sharp, recurved teeth designed for seizing and holding prey, making it a formidable predator of appropriately sized fish and invertebrates.
In the aquarium, the Fimbriated Moray requires a spacious tank with extensive rockwork providing plenty of caves and hiding spots. It is an aggressive predator that is not reef-safe and will consume any fish or crustacean it can overpower. A secure, heavy lid is essential to prevent escape attempts. This species can be hardy in captivity once established, accepting a variety of frozen meaty foods. Its attractive spotted pattern and relatively moderate size make it popular among predatory fish enthusiasts.
Fimbriated Morays are aggressive carnivores that prey on fish and crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, offer frozen silversides, shrimp, squid, octopus, and other meaty marine foods. Use feeding tongs to present food directly and avoid accidental bites. Feed two to three times per week. This species typically has an excellent feeding response in captivity and adapts well to frozen foods.
The Fimbriated Moray is an aggressive predator that will consume any fish or crustacean small enough to overpower. It should only be housed with similarly sized or larger tankmates such as large tangs, groupers, lionfish, and triggerfish. Not suitable for community or reef aquariums. Multiple moray eels can coexist in very large systems if ample hiding spots are provided.
Check CompatibilityFimbriated Morays have not been bred in home aquariums. Like other moray eels, they undergo sexual development that may include protogynous hermaphroditism. Spawning involves pelagic eggs and an extended leptocephalus larval phase in the open ocean, making captive breeding impractical with current techniques.