"Bruised banana" Dark Moray Gymnothroax afer

The "Bruised Banana" Dark Moray (Gymnothorax afer) is a stunning large moray eel variant with deep, dark body tones overlaid by mottled yellow and purple hues reminiscent of a bruised banana. This unique coloration, combined with its powerful build and menacing dentition, makes it a true showstopper reserved for experienced predator-reef keepers.

Dark Morays are strong, secretive ambush predators that spend much of their time coiled in caves, darting out to grab passing prey. They should be housed in a spacious system with extensive rockwork, multiple caves, and heavy, stable aquascaping that won’t be toppled by their movements. All openings must be tightly sealed—morays are expert escape artists capable of squeezing through surprisingly small gaps around lids, plumbing, and overflows.

Tankmates must be chosen with extreme care. The "Bruised Banana" Dark Moray will readily consume smaller fish and crustaceans and may attack similar-sized or timid species. It is best housed either alone or with large, robust, fast-feeding tankmates that are far too big to be swallowed and can handle an assertive predator environment.

Offer a varied, meaty diet of fresh or frozen marine foods such as shrimp, squid, silversides, fish strips, and clam. Feeding with tongs is strongly recommended to avoid accidental bites and to ensure targeted feeding directly to the eel. Maintain excellent water quality, high dissolved oxygen, and strong biological filtration to support this large, messy feeder.

• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Aggressive, Predatory
• Minimum Tank Size: 180+ gallons with extensive rock caves
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe with fish or crustaceans; will eat most smaller tankmates
• Diet: Carnivore – meaty marine foods, tong-fed
• Special Requirements: Escape-proof lids, heavy rockwork, and secure aquascape
• Best For: Dedicated predator systems and experienced eel keepers

For aquarists ready to meet its demanding needs, the "Bruised Banana" Dark Moray Eel delivers an unforgettable display of color, power, and personality, becoming the commanding centerpiece of any serious marine predator aquarium.