Snowflake Moray Eel

The Snowflake Moray Eel is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly moray eels in the marine aquarium hobby. Its body is white to cream-colored with beautiful black and yellow snowflake-like markings that give the species its common name. Reaching a maximum length of about 24 inches in captivity, it is one of the more modestly sized moray eels available, making it accessible to aquarists with medium-sized tanks. Its endearingly inquisitive nature and habit of peering out from rockwork crevices with its mouth agape make it a perennial favorite.

Unlike many moray eel species that have sharp, fang-like teeth designed for seizing fish, the Snowflake Moray has blunt, pebble-like teeth adapted for crushing hard-shelled crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp, and sea urchins. This dietary specialization means it is far less likely to consume fish tankmates compared to other moray species, though very small fish may occasionally be taken. In the wild, Snowflake Morays are found in shallow reef flats, tide pools, and lagoons, often in very shallow water, where they hunt nocturnally among the rocks and rubble for their crustacean prey.

In the aquarium, the Snowflake Moray Eel is considered reef-safe with caution. While it will not harm corals or other sessile invertebrates, it will readily consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans. A secure, tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as moray eels are notorious escape artists capable of squeezing through remarkably small openings. Provide a network of caves and crevices in the rockwork for the eel to inhabit, and use feeding tongs to offer food directly to avoid accidental bites during feeding.