Spotted Moray
Spotted Moray
Gymnothorax moringa
CommonMuraenidaeMay bite
ID points
- White ground densely covered with fine dark brown spots
- A distinct dark patch at the corner of the mouth
- Dorsal fin usually edged in a pale colour
Basics
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Length
- 60–120 cm
- Depth
- 1-200 m
- Regions
- Caribbean & W. Atlantic
- Distribution
- Tropical coral and rocky reefs
- Habitat
- Coral and rocky reef crevices
- Diet
- Fish, crustaceans
Easily confused with
Snowflake MorayBlack snowflake-shaped blotches evenly arranged on a white ground
Dragon MorayOrange-red ground densely covered in white spots, intensely coloured
Geometric MorayGrey-white ground covered with very fine brown specklesFun fact
The spotted moray is white beneath a dense peppering of black spots. By day it stays tucked in a crevice with only its head showing, gaping its mouth over and over, which is how it breathes rather than a threat.