Origin
Native to the Western Atlantic—ranging from Bermuda and Florida down to Brazil, including most of the Caribbean. Commonly found in coral rubble zones and rocky crevices.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Dark brown to golden body with pale yellow or cream speckles and a glowing yellow tail. Often seen poking just its head out of rocks. Smooth, snake-like movement adds tension and interest to reef or FOWLR systems.

Purpose
A stealthy mid-sized predator that adds variety to tank dynamics. Its slow, scanning behavior and emergence from rockwork add a natural predatory rhythm to the aquarium environment.

Importance
Ideal for aquarists seeking a moray without the immense size or aggression of larger species. Works well in tanks built with movement, crevices, and subtle predator-prey interactions in mind.

Included Resources
Requires a tight-fitting lid, strong biological filtration, and ample rockwork with caves. Provide retreat zones to reduce stress and allow for territorial behavior.

Best Use Cases
FOWLR setups, Caribbean-themed biotopes, and large reef tanks with sturdy livestock. Avoid housing with bite-sized tankmates or delicate inverts.

Conservation Context
While not endangered, heavy local collection in some reef zones can impact biodiversity. Always source from reputable suppliers with transparent collection practices.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Dwarf angels
• Tangs
• Wrasses (medium to large)
• Lionfish
• Hawkfish
• Groupers (non-aggressive)

Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.0343° N
• Longitude: -77.3963° W
(Nassau, Bahamas — coral rubble slopes and ledges)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -22.9068° S
• Longitude: -43.1729° W
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — shallow rocky marine zones)