Golden dwarf eel (Gymnothorax melatremus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Golden dwarf moray, Blackspot moray, Dirty yellow moray, Dwarf moray
Family
Muraenidae (moray eels)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, East Africa to the Marquesas, Hawaii and the Australs
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
26 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
210 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

One of the smallest morays, rarely available. It is mostly nocturnal and hard to see by day. It becomes nervous in small tanks. Wikipedia gives 22–26 °C, SG 1.020–1.025 and pH 8.1–8.4, and calls it intermediate to expert. It suggests a minimum of 55 US gallons (about 210 litres). Morays have poor eyesight and find food by smell, so feed with tongs rather than fingers; a bite can be deep and may become infected. Fit a tight lid with every gap closed, as eels are expert escape artists. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnothoraxmelatremus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Carnivorous: in the wild it takes crustaceans and small fish. Feed dead fish, chopped squid or octopus and small shrimps.

Breeding

Breeding in home aquaria has not been reported in the sources used here.

Compatibility and tank mates

Listed as reef safe and mostly peaceful, but it may take small bottom-dwelling fish and small shrimps. Keep with fish too large to swallow.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.