Large honeycomb moray eel

Size: 24 Inches

The Large Honeycomb Moray Eel (Gymnothorax favagineus) is one of those fish you don’t forget. With its bold black-and-white “honeycomb” pattern and powerful, thick body, this eel becomes an instant centerpiece in a serious predator aquarium. This is a big, impressive animal best suited for advanced saltwater keepers who can provide the space, filtration, and respect it deserves.

Honeycomb Morays grow large and carry a lot of weight, so they need a roomy tank with strong rockwork and plenty of caves to wedge into. They spend much of the day tucked away, with just their head sticking out, and become more active at feeding time or under lower light. Because of their strength and curiosity, all openings and gaps must be tightly sealed—this species is more than capable of pushing its way out of loose lids.

Tankmates should be chosen very carefully. The Large Honeycomb Moray will eat small and even medium-sized fish, as well as most crustaceans. Think in terms of large, robust tankmates that are clearly too big to be a meal and comfortable in a predator environment. Many keepers choose to dedicate a tank just to this eel or to other similarly sized predators.

Feeding is all about meaty marine foods. Offer a mix of shrimp, squid, fish strips, silversides, and other seafood. Feeding tongs are strongly recommended, both to protect your fingers and to let you place food right where the eel is waiting. Good filtration, strong oxygenation, and stable, clean water are key to keeping a large moray healthy long-term.

• Common Name: Honeycomb Moray Eel
• Scientific Name: Gymnothorax favagineus
• Size: Large specimen – requires very spacious tank
• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Aggressive, Predatory
• Minimum Tank Size: 220+ gallons with heavy rockwork and caves
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe with fish or crustaceans; will eat most smaller tankmates
• Diet: Carnivore – meaty marine foods, tong-fed
• Special Requirements: Escape-proof lid, secure aquascape, strong filtration

If you’re looking for a truly show-stopping eel and you have the system to support it, this Large Honeycomb Moray delivers serious presence, personality, and pattern. In the right setup, it becomes a powerful, long-lived centerpiece that commands attention every time it emerges from its cave.