Yellow-Head Moray Eel

Also known as the Golden Dwarf Moray or Yellow-Headed Moray

The Yellow-Head Moray Eel is one of the smallest and most manageable moray eel species, featuring a distinctive bright yellow head contrasting with a dark brown to black body. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, this relatively peaceful eel is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking moray appeal without massive size. Their compact 20–24 inch adult size and striking coloration make them popular for large fish-only aquariums.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Gymnothorax fimbriatus
Common Names: Yellow-Head Moray, Golden Dwarf Moray, Yellow-Headed Moray
Adult Size: 20–24 inches (50–60 cm)
Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; predatory but less aggressive than large morays
Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – will consume small fish and crustaceans
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum (100+ gallons recommended)
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment:

• Multiple caves or PVC pipes (4–6 inches diameter) for hiding
• Escape-proof lid with no gaps absolutely mandatory
• Heavy, secured rockwork
• Sand or bare bottom substrate

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <40 ppm

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh or frozen whole fish (silversides, lance fish)
• Fresh or frozen shrimp, prawns, squid
• Frozen krill

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times weekly
• Use feeding tongs – NEVER hand-feed
• May refuse food first week after introduction (normal)

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Predatory but relatively peaceful for a moray
• Will consume fish under 3–4 inches
• Primarily nocturnal; becomes active during feeding
• Less aggressive than larger moray species

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Large tangs, large angelfish, large triggerfish, large pufferfish, lionfish (all 4+ inches minimum)
• Avoid: Small fish (under 3 inches), shrimp, crabs, small gobies, blennies

Reef Compatibility:

• Will consume ornamental shrimp and small fish
• Safe with corals (will not harm)
• Best for fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems

Health & Safety

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNINGS:

• Can inflict painful bites – bacteria in mouth causes infections
• Never hand-feed or place hands near eel
• Use feeding tongs with 8–12 inch handles
• Exercise extreme caution during maintenance

Escape Prevention:

• Eels are legendary escape artists
• Weighted, locked lid mandatory
• Cover all overflow openings and gaps
• Many aquarists find eels dried on floors – prevention essential

Signs of Health:

• Clear eyes and smooth skin
• Vibrant yellow head coloration
• Active during feeding
• Strong feeding response once acclimated

Color & Special Features

Coloration:

• Head: Bright golden-yellow
• Body: Dark brown to black
• Transition: Sharp color division at neck
• One of the smallest moray species (manageable size)

Behavioral Traits:

• Primarily nocturnal hunters
• Constantly open mouth (breathing, not aggression)
• Excellent sense of smell
• Becomes bolder and more interactive with time

Special Considerations

Long-term Commitment:

• 10–15+ year lifespan
• Requires secure escape-proof housing throughout life
• Limited to tankmates 4+ inches in size
• Food costs $20–40 monthly

Why Choose This Species: Yellow-Head Moray Eels offer moray appeal without massive size (20–24 inches vs 6–10 feet for larger species). Their distinctive yellow head, manageable size, and relatively peaceful temperament make them excellent choices for intermediate aquarists with 75–100+ gallon systems and appropriate large tankmates. While still predatory and requiring careful handling, they’re significantly more manageable than giant moray species, becoming interactive and entertaining additions when properly housed with secure lids and compatible fish.