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The lichen moray (Gymnothorax buroensis) takes its name from the irregular lichen-like blotches scattered across its mottled brown body. Mid-size at 20-24" adult length, manageable in a 90-gallon FOWLR, and one of the better intermediate-difficulty moray choices. Less aggressive than dragon or leopard species while still showing typical moray feeding behavior and personality.
Native range: Indo-Pacific. The lichen moray 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: 90 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: Mid to large reef fish 3"+: angels, peaceful triggers, larger tangs, larger clownfish, larger wrasses..
Avoid: Fish under 2.5", small inverts, conspecific morays..
Not bred in captivity.
Mis-identification with similar Gymnothorax species at retail; jumping; tank-mate predation.
The lichen moray (Gymnothorax buroensis) takes its name from the irregular lichen-like blotches scattered across its mottled brown body. Mid-size at 20-24" adult length, manageable in a 90-gallon FOWLR, and one of the better intermediate-difficulty moray choices. Less aggressive than dragon or leopard species while still showing typical moray feeding behavior and personality. The lichen moray is a member of the Moray (Muraenidae) family.
Tank size: 90 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 Lichen Moray is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 90 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F (23-28°C) and salinity of 1.024-1.026 SG. Adults reach about 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) and live 12-18 years. The lichen moray (Gymnothorax buroensis) takes its name from the irregular lichen-like blotches scattered across its mottled brown body.
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 Lichen Moray reaches about 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) as an adult and lives 12-18 years with good care. Tank size: 90 gallons is the practical minimum for a single adult. Substrate should be marine sand 2-4 inches deep - fine grain to prevent abrasion. A 1cm gap is enough for an adult specimen to find and exploit.
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