Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus)

Fish in the family Muraenidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameGymnothorax javanicus

FamilyMuraenidae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size59 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding scheduleEvery 2-3 days

Appearance

Large, robust moray eel with a thick cylindrical body and a wide mouth filled with sharp teeth. Coloration is typically dark brown to greenish-brown with lighter yellow or white spots and mottling across the body and head. The gill opening is a simple lateral slit behind the head.

Diet and feeding

Feed live or thawed frozen foods such as large shrimp, squid, small fish, and marine flesh. Feed every 2–3 days. Giant morays are ambush predators and will consume most organisms small enough to fit in their large mouths.

Difficulty and care for the Giant Moray

This is an expert-level species requiring a very large tank, careful feeding protocols, secure enclosure to prevent escape, and experienced handling. Aggressive temperament and predatory behavior make it unsuitable for community reef tanks.

Common health issues

Parasitic infections, fin rot, mouth/jaw infections from food injuries, stress-related disease

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region from East Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in tropical coral reef and rocky habitats at depths from 3 to 70 meters.

Log Giant 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 Giant Moray alongside everything else in your reef.

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