Indian Mud Moray

The Indian Mud Moray (Gymnothorax tile) is one of the most unusual eel species available in the aquarium hobby. Often sold as a freshwater eel, this fascinating predator actually thrives in brackish water conditions and develops into a large, powerful fish requiring specialist care.

Maximum Size

•Typical Aquarium Size: 45–60 cm

•Large Adult Specimens: 60–75 cm

•Maximum Reported Size: Up to 90 cm (35 inches)

While most aquarium specimens remain under 75 cm, a well-maintained adult can become a substantial predator requiring considerable floor space.

Recommended Tank Size

Juvenile (15–30 cm)

•250–350L minimum

Adult (45–60 cm)

•750L+ recommended

Fully Grown (75 cm+)

•Ideally:

 •1200–2000L aquarium

 •Minimum footprint of 2400mm × 750mm

As a bottom-dwelling species, floor space is significantly more important than tank height.

Water Requirements

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Indian Mud Moray care is water chemistry.

Juveniles

•Can adapt to freshwater temporarily

Adults

•Prefer brackish conditions

•Specific Gravity: 1.005–1.015

•pH: 7.5–8.5

•Temperature: 24–28°C

Many specimens survive for years in freshwater but typically show better health, appetite, coloration, and longevity when maintained in properly mineralized brackish environments.

Growth Rate

Indian Mud Morays are moderate growers.

You can expect:

•20–30 cm within the first year

•40–50 cm after 2–3 years

•60 cm+ as mature adults

Growth is influenced by:

•Diet quality

•Water conditions

•Available space

•Filtration capacity

•Feeding frequency

Diet

Indian Mud Morays are carnivorous predators.

Recommended foods:

•Prawns

•Mussels

•White fish fillet

•Earthworms

•Frozen lancefish

•Krill

•Silversides

Most specimens can be trained to feed from tongs and quickly learn to recognize their keeper.

Avoid relying solely on feeder fish, as this often leads to nutritional deficiencies and increased disease risk.

🐟 Tank Mates

Suitable tank mates include:

•Monodactylus

•Scats

•Silver Dollars

•Large Datnoids

•Archerfish

•Larger Severums

•Robust Cichlids

•Arowanas (large systems)

Avoid:

•Small fish

•Shrimp

•Crabs

•Slow-moving bottom dwellers

•Anything that fits inside its mouth

If it can swallow it, it eventually will.