Tessalata Moray Eel

The Tessalata Moray Eel is a massive and visually stunning species distinguished by its bold honeycomb-like pattern of dark brown to black spots on a white to pale yellow background. This distinctive leopard-print appearance makes it one of the most recognizable moray eels in the world. Growing to an impressive six feet in length and possessing a thick, muscular body, the Tessalata Moray is an imposing predator that commands respect and a very large aquarium.

In the wild, Tessalata Moray Eels are found throughout the Indo-Pacific in coral reefs, rocky shorelines, and reef slopes. They are powerful predators with large, sharp teeth designed for seizing and holding fish and cephalopods. Unlike the Snowflake Moray's blunt crushing teeth, the Tessalata possesses needle-sharp teeth that can inflict serious lacerating wounds. They are one of the moray species most frequently associated with ciguatera poisoning in regions where the toxin is present, as they accumulate the toxin through the food chain.

Keeping a Tessalata Moray Eel is a serious commitment that requires a minimum 300-gallon aquarium with robust filtration, an absolutely escape-proof lid, and careful tankmate selection. This species will consume any fish or invertebrate it can overpower. It is emphatically not reef-safe and should only be kept in a predator or species-specific system. Long feeding tongs are mandatory, as bites from this species can cause significant injury. Despite these challenges, the Tessalata is a charismatic and intelligent aquarium inhabitant that often develops a recognizable personality and bonds with its keeper during feeding.