Yellow-Head Moray Eel (Gymnothorax fimbriatus)

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

Yellow-Head Moray Eel

Quick facts

Scientific nameGymnothorax fimbriatus
FamilyMuraenidae
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyNot Reef Safe
TemperamentAggressive
Dietcarnivore
Adult size34 in
Minimum tank size75 gallons
Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
Feeding scheduleEvery 2-3 days

Appearance

The Yellow-Head Moray Eel has a distinctive bright yellow head and anterior body that fades to brown or olive coloration posteriorly. The body is elongated and serpentine with a prominent gill opening and small fringed fins, giving it a characteristic moray appearance.

Diet and feeding

Feed frozen-thawed or live fish, squid, and crustaceans 2–3 times per week. Morays are ambush predators and will consume appropriately-sized prey items; feed cautiously to avoid overfeeding.

Difficulty and care for the Yellow-Head Moray Eel

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, including waters from East Africa and the Red Sea eastward to Polynesia and Hawaii.

Log Yellow-Head Moray Eel 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 Yellow-Head Moray Eel alongside everything else in your reef.