Honeycomb Moray (Gymnothorax tessellata) Care Guide
Gymnothorax tessellata, the honeycomb moray, is a very large Indo-Pacific moray eel with a black-spotted pattern, valid today as Gymnothorax favagineus.
Overview
Gymnothorax tessellata, the honeycomb or laced moray, is a large marine eel of the family Muraenidae. The name tessellata is a synonym; FishBase and WoRMS treat the valid name as Gymnothorax favagineus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Its white to yellowish body is marked with black spots that form a honeycomb or leopard-like pattern, which varies between individuals and habitats.
Taxonomy
- Family: Muraenidae
- Genus: Gymnothorax
- Scientific name: Gymnothorax tessellata
- Currently accepted name (FishBase / WoRMS): Gymnothorax favagineus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
- Common synonyms: Muraena tessellata Richardson, 1845; Gymnothorax tessellatus
Habitat
FishBase records the species across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan and south to Australia. It is reef-associated, inhabiting reef flats and outer reef slopes of continental reefs, sheltering in crevices during the day. Reported depths range from 1 to 50 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Adult size: 150-180 cm (FishBase reports a maximum of 300 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 10-30 years
Diet
The honeycomb moray is a carnivore. FishBase and Wikipedia report that it feeds mainly on cephalopods and small fishes, hunting primarily at night. In aquaria it is typically offered meaty foods such as fish and squid a couple of times a week.
Compatibility
This is a large, bottom-dwelling, semi-aggressive eel suited only to very large systems. FishBase notes that large adults may be aggressive. Suitable companions are limited to large, robust fish; small fish and ornamental shrimp would be eaten. It requires secure rockwork and caves.
Breeding
The species is oviparous. Captive breeding is not documented in home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011), as reported by FishBase.