Jewel Moray

The Jewel Moray is a stunningly beautiful Eastern Pacific moray eel that gets its name from its spectacular spotted pattern. Its body is a rich dark brown to chocolate base color densely covered with small, bright golden-yellow to white spots that create a jewel-like appearance, as if the eel has been adorned with hundreds of tiny gemstones. Reaching approximately 24 inches in length, it is a moderately sized moray that has earned a devoted following among marine aquarists who appreciate its exceptional aesthetics.

In the wild, the Jewel Moray inhabits rocky reefs and tide pools along the Eastern Pacific coast, from the Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands. It is most commonly found in relatively shallow water among boulders and crevices, where it hides during the day and emerges to hunt at night. Its diet consists primarily of fish, crustaceans, and small octopuses. The species is often found in cooler subtropical waters compared to many tropical moray species, which is an important consideration for aquarium care.

In the aquarium, the Jewel Moray is prized for its striking appearance but demands respect as an aggressive predator. It is not reef-safe and will consume any appropriately sized fish or crustaceans. A secure lid and sealed tank openings are mandatory. The species may prefer slightly cooler water temperatures than typical tropical species, reflecting its subtropical origins. When properly maintained, the Jewel Moray's spectacular spotted pattern makes it one of the most visually impressive moray eels available to aquarists.