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The Brazilian dragon eel (Muraena pavonina) is the Western Atlantic equivalent of the Pacific dragon moray - striking yellow body with dark blotches, characteristic dragon-style head, and intense predatory personality. Rare in US trade due to limited Brazilian collection and long supply chain. Premium price point ($600-1,800+ depending on size and condition). Highly sought by collectors who want a dragon-style moray with Atlantic origin.
Native range: Western Atlantic (Brazil, Caribbean fringes). The brazilian dragon eel is a member of the Moray (Muraenidae) family. Most specimens in the US trade are wild-caught from collection points in their native range and shipped through Indo-Pacific or Atlantic marine wholesalers. Wild-caught morays often arrive with internal parasites and shipping stress - a 4-week quarantine in a separate system with prazi and metronidazole prophylaxis is the standard reef-keeper protocol before display introduction.
Tank size: 125 gallons is the practical minimum for a single adult. Substrate should be marine sand 2-4 inches deep - fine grain to prevent abrasion. Hardscape should provide multiple cave structures, PVC pipe segments, and overhangs that allow the eel to choose its preferred resting position. Lighting can be standard reef LED; morays do not require special light spectrum. Filtration should be oversized - morays are messy eaters and produce significant nitrogenous waste. A skimmer rated for at least 1.5x the actual tank volume is the standard for moray-housing FOWLR systems.
The lid is non-negotiable. Morays are exceptionally strong jumpers and escape artists. A 1cm gap is enough for an adult specimen to find and exploit. Hood-style covers work; rimless tanks need custom acrylic or glass cut to seal completely.
Primary diet: Frozen silversides, krill, squid, chopped fish. Morays are obligate carnivores. Feed 2-3 times per week for adults, daily for juveniles. Use feeding tongs rather than dropping food - morays learn to associate tong tips with food and develop reliable feeding responses within 1-2 weeks. Variety matters: rotate between silversides, krill, squid, chopped scallop, and occasional whole shrimp for nutritional completeness. Avoid feeder goldfish - they carry thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1 and leads to long-term neurological problems.
Safe: Large peaceful predators only..
Avoid: Anything under 4", small inverts, other large morays..
Not bred in captivity.
Limited availability; high shipping stress from Brazilian source; aggression; cost.
The Brazilian dragon eel (Muraena pavonina) is the Western Atlantic equivalent of the Pacific dragon moray - striking yellow body with dark blotches, characteristic dragon-style head, and intense predatory personality. Rare in US trade due to limited Brazilian collection and long supply chain. Highly sought by collectors who want a dragon-style moray with Atlantic origin. Native range: Western Atlantic (Brazil, Caribbean fringes).
Tank size: 125 gallons is the practical minimum for a single adult. Substrate should be marine sand 2-4 inches deep - fine grain to prevent abrasion. Hardscape should provide multiple cave structures, PVC pipe segments, and overhangs that allow the eel to choose its preferred resting position. Lighting can be standard reef LED; morays do not require special light spectrum.
The Brazilian Dragon Eel is rated advanced difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 125 gallons, a temperature of 74-80°F (23-27°C) and salinity of 1.024-1.026 SG. Adults reach about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) and live 15-20 years. The Brazilian dragon eel (Muraena pavonina) is the Western Atlantic equivalent of the Pacific dragon moray - striking yellow body with dark blotches, characteristic dragon-style head, and intense predatory personality.
Primary diet: Frozen silversides, krill, squid, chopped fish. Morays are obligate carnivores. Feed 2-3 times per week for adults, daily for juveniles. Use feeding tongs rather than dropping food - morays learn to associate tong tips with food and develop reliable feeding responses within 1-2 weeks. Variety matters: rotate between silversides, krill, squid, chopped scallop, and occasional whole shrimp for nutritional completeness.
The Brazilian Dragon Eel reaches about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) as an adult and lives 15-20 years with good care. Tank size: 125 gallons is the practical minimum for a single adult. Substrate should be marine sand 2-4 inches deep - fine grain to prevent abrasion.
Limited availability; high shipping stress from Brazilian source; aggression; cost. Keeper note: Standard dragon-style moray care. Brazilian source means specimens often arrive with more shipping stress than Pacific dragon morays - extended quarantine and gentle acclimation recommended. Morays are exceptionally strong jumpers and escape artists.
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