Purplemouth Moray

The Purplemouth Moray is one of the larger and more impressive moray eels found in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. It earns its distinctive common name from the vivid purple to violet coloration inside its mouth, which is prominently displayed when the eel gapes in its characteristic respiration posture. The body is brown to olive-brown, often with a yellowish tinge that intensifies toward the head and snout. Reaching an impressive 48 inches in length, this is a substantial moray that demands a very large aquarium.

In the wild, the Purplemouth Moray is a common resident of Caribbean coral reefs, where it inhabits deep crevices and cave systems. It is often encountered by divers peering out from its rocky lair, mouth agape, displaying the signature purple interior. This species is a formidable nocturnal predator that hunts fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods along the reef at night. It has a reputation for being bolder and more territorial than some other Caribbean morays, sometimes approaching divers with apparent curiosity.

In the aquarium, the Purplemouth Moray requires a very large system of at least 180 gallons to accommodate its substantial adult size. It is a powerful, aggressive predator that is decidedly not reef-safe. This species demands respect during maintenance and feeding due to its size, strong bite, and sometimes territorial nature. A heavy, secure lid and sealed plumbing are absolutely mandatory. When well-maintained, its impressive size and distinctive purple mouth coloration make it a centerpiece species in large predator aquariums.