Snowflake Moray Eel

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 24"
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons   • Water Conditions: 74-82° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Muraenidae   • Species: Eels   • Aquarium Type: Fish Only

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The Snowflake Moray Eel is also commonly referred to as simply the Snowflake Eel, Clouded Moray, or Starry Moray. This species is one of the more popular species of eel for keeping in a home aquarium both because of its attractive appearance and manageable size. Typically the Snowflake Moray Eel will grow to around 24 inches in size in the aquarium, but can grow up to around 30 inches under the right conditions.

Like other moray eels the Snowflake Moray will spend its time in caves and crevices within the aquarium with only its head poking out. However, over time it will become more active during lights on hours and not simply at night. Its coloration, size and temperament make this an excellent species for aquarium hobbyists.

The Snowflake Moray Eel typically grows about 24 inches in length and has a white to cream colored base color with black and gold markings that run the length of its body. Snowflake Moray Eels have a medium thickness body that has the distinctive moray eel shape to it. The face is generally all white or cream in color with yellow and black eyes and gold nostrils.

The Snowflake Moray Eel is a very hardy species that adapts well to aquarium life and is better suited than most moray eels for living in an aquarium as it typically grows to around 24 inches in length. An aquarium of at least 55 gallons with plenty of live rock caves and crevices and a completely sealed top is recommended to properly house this species.

Eels of all types are notorious for jumping out of uncovered aquariums, thus it is extremely important that the aquarium is completely covered. While Snowflake Moray Eels are carnivores and do eat fish, they can be kept with large fish species that they cannot easily swallow. There are also some invertebrates species that are also safe to keep with a moray eel; such as, anemones and corals.

In the wild the Snowflake Moray Eel is a nocturnal predator, ambushing fish and crustaceans that wander near its cave or rock crevice. In the home aquarium, it will quickly adapt to taking frozen or freeze-dried krill, fish, shrimp, and most other meaty foods from its owner. It is best to feed it by impaling the food onto the end of a feeding stick and positioning the food near the eels mouth. However, it can be taught to hand feed, although this should be done with caution, as its bite can be very painful.