Chain Moray (Echidna catenata)
Fish in the family Muraenidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Echidna catenata displays a distinctive reticulated or chain-like pattern of dark brown to black markings over a lighter yellow or tan body. The moray has a robust, cylindrical body with a blunt head and small eyes, typical of the Muraenidae family. Small gill openings and a continuous dorsal fin running the length of the body are characteristic features.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed frozen or fresh meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, and fish pieces 3–4 times weekly. Live foods may be offered occasionally but are not required. Use a feeding stick or place food in a sheltered area to encourage feeding without hand-training, which is not recommended.
Difficulty and care for the Chain Moray
Chain morays are challenging to maintain. They require excellent water quality, large tanks with abundant hiding places, careful feeding management, and are prone to stress-induced illness. Not recommended for beginners or experienced aquarists unfamiliar with moray-specific husbandry.
Common health issues
Stress-related disease, bacterial infections, parasitic infestations, poor feeding response in captivity
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa and the Red Sea through Southeast Asia to the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia, typically found on coral reefs and rocky outcrops at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Chain Moray in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Chain Moray alongside everything else in your reef.
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