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The Panamic green moray is the Pacific cousin of the Caribbean green moray — a massive olive-green species reaching 5+ feet at adult size. Demands a true display-sized system (300+ gallons), expert handling, and a multi-decade commitment. Long supply chain from Pacific Mexico keeps US imports relatively rare and expensive. Specimens become extraordinarily impressive 8-10 year display centerpieces in proper systems.
Native range: Eastern Pacific (Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama). The panamic green 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: 300 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, large 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: Other large Eastern Pacific cool-water predators in 500+ gallon systems..
Avoid: Any fish under 8", any invertebrate that fits in mouth, other large morays..
Not bred in captivity.
Tank outgrowth (almost universal); keeper bite injuries; long-term feeding cost ($200/month adult diet).
Wild specimens 5+ feet and 30+ lbs. Captive specimens typically 40-60" but can exceed 5 feet in proper systems.
Yes in most US states. Verify state aquatic-species regulations before purchase, especially in coastal Pacific states.
25-30 years documented in public aquaria. A genuine lifelong commitment.
Juveniles $300-600. Larger sub-adults $800-2,000. Long supply chain makes them less common than Atlantic relatives.
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