Freshwater moray

Freshwater moray or Indian mud moray, scientific name Gymnothorax tile, belongs to the family Muraenidae (Moray). An exotic fish that is more common in marine aquariums. However, this representative also cannot be attributed to true freshwater species, since it needs brackish water. Maintenance is difficult, so they are not recommended for beginner aquarists who plan to do their own maintenance of the aquarium.

Habitat

It comes from the coastal regions of the eastern Indian Ocean from India to Australia. The typical habitat of this species is considered to be the mouth of the Ganges River. Inhabits border regions where fresh water mixes with sea water. It lives at the bottom, hiding in gorges, crevices, among snags.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 400 liters.
• Temperature – 20-28°C
• Value pH — 7.5–9.0
• Water hardness – 10–31 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – required at a concentration of 15 g per 1 liter
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is 40–60 cm.
• Food – food for carnivorous species
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Content alone or in a group

Description

Adults reach a length of 40–60 cm. Outwardly, it resembles an eel or a snake. It has a long body without fins, covered with a layer of mucus that protects from damage when the moray eel squeezes into shelters. Coloration and body pattern are variable and depend on the specific region of origin. The color varies from pale grey, brownish to dark with numerous bright dots. The abdomen is light. Such differences in coloration led to confusion, and some authors divided the species into several independent subspecies.

Food

Predator, in nature feeds on other small fish and crustaceans. Newly exported specimens initially refuse alternative foods, but over time they are accustomed to fresh or frozen pieces of white meat from fish, shrimp, mussels, and special foods designed for carnivorous species. Before buying, be sure to clarify the type of food you are taking.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The minimum volume of the aquarium for the long-term maintenance of one Freshwater Moray starts from 400 liters. The format doesn’t really matter. The only important condition is the presence of a place for shelter, where the fish could completely fit. For example, decorative heaps of stones with a cave or an ordinary PVC pipe.

Although the name contains the word “freshwater”, in reality it lives in brackish waters. The addition of sea salt in water treatment is a must. Concentration 15 g per 1 liter. It is necessary to provide a moderate flow and a high level of dissolved oxygen. Do not allow the accumulation of organic waste and weekly replace part of the water (30-50% of the volume) with fresh water.

It is worth noting that although this is a bottom dweller, it is famous for its ability to get out of aquariums, so the presence of a cover is mandatory.

Behavior and Compatibility

Given the predatory disposition and specific conditions of detention, the choice of neighbors in the aquarium is very limited. Able to get along with relatives and other fish large enough to become prey for moray eels.

Breeding / breeding

Not bred in an artificial environment. All specimens for sale are wild-caught.

Fish diseases

Like any wild fish, they are very hardy and unpretentious if kept in the right conditions. At the same time, prolonged exposure to an unsuitable environment inevitably leads to health problems. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.