Golden Dwarf Moray

Gymnothorax melatremus

One of the smallest morays, rarely seen and lemon gold all over. It spends the day in a crack in the rock with only its head poking out.

A predatory saltwater fish that grows to 25 cm, lives near the bottom and needs 24–28 °C, pH 8.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 120 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Saltwater

Temperature

24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH

8.0–8.4

Adult size

25 cm (10 in)

Aquarium

120 L or bigger (32 US gal)

Temperament

Predator

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Wild home

Deep reef crevices of the Indo-Pacific

Good to know

• Eats invertebrates. Hunts shrimp, snails and crabs.
• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.
• Nocturnal. Hides and rests while the lights are on, and comes out to explore and feed at night.

Tank mates

Good company: Banggai Cardinalfish, Copperband Butterflyfish, Coral Beauty, Foxface Rabbitfish, Green Chromis, Ocellaris Clownfish, Peppermint Angelfish, Regal Angelfish, Royal Gramma, Seahorse.

Will eat: Blue-Leg Hermit Crab, Harlequin Shrimp, Neon Goby, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp.

Attacks: Aurora Moon Jelly, Flower Hat Jelly.

Attacked by: Clown Triggerfish.

Eats the newborn fry of: Banggai Cardinalfish, Green Chromis, Ocellaris Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Seahorse, Yellowtail Damselfish.

Colours

• Classic epic

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.