Pink-Lipped Moray Eel (Echidna rhodochilus)

From The Aquarium Wiki
(Redirected from White Cheek Moray)
Jump to: navigation, search

Pink-Lipped Moray Eel

000 0070.jpg
Pink-Lipped Moray Eel

Echidna rhodochilus

265 Litres (70 US G.)

33-50.8cm (13-20 ")

pH

7.8 - 8.2

22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

8-12 years

Family

Muraenidae



Additional names

Freshwater Moray Eel, Pink-Lipped Moray Eel, White Cheek Moray, White Eyed Moray, Cheeked Moray

Additional scientific names

Muraena rhodochilus


Sexing[edit]

It is not possible to visually sex this fish.


Tank compatibility[edit]

Should not be kept with smaller fish or invertebrates such as shrimp as these may well be eaten. Is otherwise peaceful although it will defend its cave. Hunts by smell so at feeding time tank mates may get bitten if they get in the way.


Diet[edit]

Can be a difficult fish to feed. May only take live food such as shrimp and snails. Can be slowly and patiently trained to take dead food.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

Although these Morays will often get labelled as freshwater, they are entirely brackish fish, needing ideally quite a heavy salinity in their water, even Marine conditions. They will only enter freshwater in the wild to spawn.
In order for this fish to be comfortable in its surroundings it needs to have a large enough tank to stretch out, as well as plenty of hiding places.


Behaviour[edit]

A predator who hunts by smell rather than sight and will not only bite tank mates but also the hand that feeds so care should be taken when doing tank maintenance or feeding. They will establish themselves a cave, or "lair", and defend this from other fish. It will rest with its head outside of lair and mouth open to provide it with extra oxygen.


Identification[edit]

Typical Moray in shape with a very elongate slender snake-like body with a large mouth. The body is brown/black in colour with yellow/olive fins. It will have white, pink or red spots on its cheeks giving it its common names. It has a blunter head compared to other well known Morays and is one of the smaller fish of the species.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]