Freshwater Snowflake Moray

Gymnothorax tile is a euryhaline moray eel found across coastal freshwater, estuarine, and brackish habitats of South and Southeast Asia. While it can survive in fully fresh water, it thrives and lives longest when kept in moderately brackish conditions of around 1.005–1.010 specific gravity. Its distinctive snowflake-like white mottling on a brown body makes it immediately recognisable.

This species requires a very secure aquarium with absolutely no escape gaps, as morays are extremely strong and determined escape artists. Deep caves, PVC pipes, and rockwork provide essential shelter. It should be fed exclusively on meaty foods: prawns, mussel, silverside fish, and squid are all suitable.

Due to its aggressive feeding response and predatory nature toward any fish small enough to be consumed, this species is best kept as a species-only specimen or alongside very large, robust fish in a large brackish aquarium. Tankmate selection requires careful thought and should err firmly on the side of caution.

Water: Brackish preferred, SG 1.005–1.010, pH 7.5–8.5, temperature 24–28°C, GH 10–20. Tank: Minimum 200 L, brackish, deep caves, completely sealed lid with no gaps. Feeding: Carnivore; prawns, mussel, silverside, squid; never feed feeder fish. Breeding: Not achieved in captivity; catadromous spawning migration suspected. Compatibility: Species tank or very large robust fish only; highly predatory.