Green Moray Eel (Gymnothorax funebris) Care Guide

The iconic large moray of the Atlantic, reaching up to 250 cm. Its green coloration comes from a yellow mucus layer over blue-gray skin.

Overview

Gymnothorax funebris is a species in the family Muraenidae. The iconic large moray of the Atlantic, reaching up to 250 cm. Its green coloration comes from a yellow mucus layer over blue-gray skin. A powerful predator requiring a species-dedicated or very large FOWLR system. Capable of delivering a serious bite and should only be kept by experienced aquarists with appropriately massive tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Muraenidae
Genus: Gymnothorax
Scientific name: Gymnothorax funebris
Origin: Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Eastern Atlantic

Habitat

Gymnothorax funebris is a large moray of western Atlantic and Caribbean reefs and rocky areas. A powerful nocturnal predator with sharp teeth, it eats fish and crustaceans and grows very large, requiring a substantial fish-only system with a secure lid.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 1500 L
Temperature: 22-27 °C
pH: 8-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 150-250 cm
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: every 3-5 days. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: aggressive
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Other Large Morays, Very Large Groupers
Avoid with: All Small Fish, All Invertebrates, Hands

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as not reef-safe: routinely feeds on corals, sessile invertebrates or ornamental shrimps and is best kept in a fish-only system.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced