Leopard Eel

Description

The Leopard Eel features a long, muscular body covered in a pattern of black or dark brown spots on a pale yellow or beige background. Its robust jaws are lined with sharp teeth, adapted for catching fish and cephalopods. Adults can grow up to 3 meters (≈10 feet) in length, making it one of the larger moray eel species.

Leopard Eels are primarily nocturnal ambush predators, spending the day hidden within reef crevices and emerging at night to hunt. Their large size, powerful bite, and striking spotted pattern make them an awe-inspiring presence in natural habitats and large public aquariums.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 1,500–2,000+ litres (400–530+ US gallons)
(Larger recommended for fully grown adults)

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.023–1.026
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 20 ppm

Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a massive, secure aquarium with abundant caves, ledges, and rockwork to mimic natural reef crevices. Leopard Eels are expert escape artists and strong swimmers, so a tightly sealed lid is essential. Moderate water flow and high-quality biological filtration are necessary due to their large size and carnivorous diet.

Diet and Feeding

Leopard Eels are carnivorous predators with a preference for fish and cephalopods. They are strong hunters and should be fed a diet that supports their size and protein needs.

Recommended Foods:

• Whole or chopped fish

• Squid, octopus, or cuttlefish

• Shrimp and other meaty marine foods

• Occasional live prey for natural hunting stimulation

Feed 3–5 times per week for adults. Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues and obesity.

Temperament and Compatibility

Leopard Eels are highly predatory and should only be housed with robust, large tankmates that cannot be swallowed. They may exhibit aggression toward smaller fish and invertebrates.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Large, non-aggressive fish such as groupers, snappers, and large wrasses

• Other large morays only in extremely spacious setups with ample hiding areas

Avoid:

• Small fish (gobies, clownfish, anthias)

• Shrimp, crabs, or small invertebrates

• Aggressive or territorial species that may provoke the eel

Reef Compatibility

⚠️ Not Reef Safe

Leopard Eels are not suitable for typical reef aquariums as they will consume small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Their size and exploratory nature can also disturb rockwork or fragile coral frags.

Safe With:

• None in conventional reef systems

Use Caution With:

• Large corals may be indirectly affected by eels moving rocks or rubble

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3 meters (≈10 feet)

• Lifespan: 20+ years in captivity

• Difficulty Level: Advanced (due to size, aggressive nature, and housing requirements)

• Natural Behaviour: Crevice-dwelling ambush predator; nocturnal; highly territorial

• Origin: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea to Hawaii

• Colouration: Pale yellow/beige body with dark, irregular spots resembling a leopard pattern

Summary

The Leopard Eel (Gymnothorax favagineus) is a large, visually dramatic, and highly predatory moray eel species best suited for public aquariums or extremely large private systems. Reef-incompatible and aggressive toward smaller animals, it requires secure, spacious housing, strong filtration, and a diet rich in meaty marine foods. Its nocturnal, crevice-dwelling behavior and striking leopard-like pattern make it a captivating and imposing presence for experienced aquarists.