Jewel Moray

Muraena lentiginosa is a moray eel from the Eastern Pacific.

Description

It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 61 cm in length. Head and jaws are very much compressed. Body is tapering posteriorly. Body depth at the middle about 1/13 of the entire length; the head about 1/7, measured to the branchial orifice. Jaws are very narrow, sharp-pointed and equal. Gape is deeply cleft. Teeth are compressed at the sides, very sharp, slightly hooked and pointing backwards. Two tubular orifices are above the eyes and two at the extremity of the snout. Distance of eyes from the end of the snout about twice the eye diameter. Branchial orifice and eyes are of the same size. Dorsal fin is thick and fleshy. Color is fine dark purplish brown, with yellow circular spots; the spots mostly small.

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.

Habitat

Often seen in shallow water. Remains under cover in rocky crevices during the day. Feeds mainly at night on crustaceans and fishes. Constantly opens and closes it mouth, an action required for respiration, not a threat

In aquarium

The minimum tank size for jeweled moray eels is 50 US gallons (190 L). Two should not be kept in the same tank unless the tank is over 120 US gallons (450 L). Both eels must be introduced to the tank at the same time.