Freshwater Moray Eel
Freshwater Moray Eel
Freshwater Moray Eel (Gymnothorax polyuranodon) is one of the very few true moray eels that can be kept in purely freshwater — most morays are marine, but this species from the Indo-Pacific inhabits freshwater rivers and streams as well as brackish and marine areas. The body is pale with irregular brown to dark mottling — a bold, reticulated pattern on a thick, muscular eel body up to 28 inches long.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp are excellent meaty staples. Feed 2–3 times per week — morays have slow metabolisms and do not need daily feeding. This species feeds primarily by smell — target-feed with tongs or a feeding stick to avoid accidentally being bitten during feeding.
Native to rivers, streams, and coastal areas across the Indo-Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. This is genuinely a freshwater species that lives full-time in rivers, not just a brackish fish that tolerates fresh water. A tight-fitting, heavy lid is absolutely essential — morays are powerful and determined escape artists.
Keep alone or with large, robust fish too large to eat. Any fish that fits in the moray's considerable mouth will be eaten, particularly at night. Provide PVC pipes, caves, or overhangs for shelter — morays spend most of the day partially or fully hidden, emerging at night to hunt.
The Freshwater Moray Eel is a stunning and dramatic aquarium resident for aquarists who want something genuinely extraordinary. Patient and generally sedate during the day, they become active hunters after dark.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Predatory — keep with large fish only |
| Typical Adult Size | 28 inches (70 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or with very large fish |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.5 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Treat / Supplement | Frozen or fresh shrimp; fresh fish fillet |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific rivers and coastal waters — Philippines, Indonesia, Australia |
| Notes | One of the only true freshwater moray eels. Powerful escape artist — heavy lid essential. Predatory toward any fish small enough to eat. Feeds primarily by smell — use tongs. |
