Yellowmargin Moray

The Yellowmargin Moray is a large and impressive predatory eel named for the distinctive yellow to golden margins that edge its dorsal and anal fins. Its body displays a mottled pattern of brown, green, and tan with darker spots and blotches that provide effective camouflage among reef rock. Growing to nearly four feet in length, this is a substantial moray eel that commands attention in any aquarium setup and has become one of the more recognizable large moray species in the hobby.

In the wild, the Yellowmargin Moray has one of the broadest distributions of any moray eel species, found throughout the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East African coast to Hawaii and the central Pacific. It inhabits coral reef crevices, caves, and rocky overhangs from shallow lagoons to deeper outer reef slopes. It is a powerful predator that hunts primarily at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate sleeping fish and crustaceans in the darkness. During the day, it typically rests with its head protruding from a crevice, mouth agape to facilitate water flow over its gills.

In the home aquarium, the Yellowmargin Moray requires a large tank of at least 180 gallons and an experienced keeper. It is aggressive and decidedly not reef-safe, as it will prey on any fish or invertebrate small enough to be consumed. A heavy, secure lid is absolutely essential to prevent escape, and feeding should always be conducted with long feeding tongs to avoid accidental bites. Strong filtration and protein skimming are necessary to manage the substantial bio-load. For dedicated eel enthusiasts with appropriate space, the Yellowmargin Moray is a long-lived and engaging aquarium specimen.