Murenevat

Murenevat is a term used in aquaculture and marine research to denote a specialized containment system designed for housing murene, or moray eels, under controlled conditions. The name combines murene, referring to moray eels, with vat, meaning a large tank or modular enclosure.

Design and purpose

Murenevats are modular units built to mimic crevice-rich habitats. They typically comprise interconnected tanks or a single tall tank with rockwork, tunnels, and artificial reef structures. A recirculating aquaculture system provides filtration, temperature control, aeration, and lighting tuned to the nocturnal behavior of murene. The aim is to support welfare, facilitate breeding programs, and enable behavioral studies while maintaining biosecurity and environmental stability.

Biology and husbandry

Moray eels are nocturnal ambush predators that require secure refuges and ample hiding places. In murenevats, setups emphasize multiple crevices and shaded areas to reduce stress and aggression. Common water parameters for marine murenevats include temperatures around 24–28°C and salinity near 34–36 ppt, with stable pH in the upper neutral to mild alkaline range. Feeding typically involves appropriate prey items provided in a controlled schedule to minimize waste and ammonia buildup. Tanks should be designed to minimize escape risk given the eels’ strong jaws and agile movement.

Status and use

Murenevats are not a universal industry standard but are employed by some facilities for breeding, behavior research, and welfare-oriented husbandry. They are intended to supplement, not replace, conservation measures and habitat protection for wild murene eel populations.

See also: aquaculture, moray eel, captive breeding, tank design.