Description

• Habitat: Found in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. While called a freshwater eel, they are more commonly found in brackish water and occasionally transition to fully marine environments.
• Appearance: The eel has a long, slender, snake-like body typical of morays. Its coloring can vary but is generally brownish or yellowish with white or pale markings, including a noticeable patch near the head that gives rise to the name “white-cheeked moray.”
• Size: They can grow up to 90 cm (around 35 inches) in length, making them a moderately large species for home aquariums.
• Diet: In the wild, these eels feed on small fish and crustaceans. In captivity, they can be fed a carnivorous diet of live or frozen foods, such as shrimp, fish fillets, squid, and other meaty offerings.
• Behavior: Freshwater moray eels are mostly nocturnal and prefer to hide in crevices, under rocks, or in other concealed spaces during the day. They are territorial and may become aggressive toward smaller or similarly sized tank mates, so it’s best to keep them in a species-only setup or with larger, peaceful fish.
• Aquarium Care: Although they can live in freshwater for short periods, they tend to do better in slightly brackish environments with a low to moderate salinity level. A large tank (minimum 100 gallons) with a soft substrate, hiding places, and stable water parameters is essential. They also require a tight-fitting lid, as moray eels are known escape artists.
• Compatibility: They are best suited for tanks with other large, non-aggressive fish or kept alone. They may view smaller fish as prey.

This species is a fascinating option for experienced aquarists, particularly those interested in brackish water setups and specialized care routines.