Animal Profiles
Fish

Moray Eel

Muraenidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Moray eels are elongated marine predators that often shelter in holes. This account follows the green moray, a western Atlantic species whose yellowish mucus contributes to its familiar green appearance.

Green moray (Gymnothorax funebris), the representative described here.

Green moray (Gymnothorax funebris), the representative described here.

Blueag9 · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Gymnothorax funebris is the representative described here. It occurs in the western Atlantic, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Rock crevices, reefs and sheltered coastal habitats provide hiding places.
Habitat
Coral reef, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Green morays hunt mainly at night and take fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods.

Classification

Common name
Moray Eel
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Muraenidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Anguilliformes
Family
Muraenidae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Yellow mucus contributes to its colour.
  • It lacks pectoral fins.
  • It hunts mainly at night.

Habitat and range

Gymnothorax funebris is the representative described here. It occurs in the western Atlantic, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Rock crevices, reefs and sheltered coastal habitats provide hiding places.

Appearance and adaptations

A long scaleless body carries a continuous fin along much of the back and tail. Yellow mucus over darker skin produces the green colour. Pectoral fins are absent.

Diet and behaviour

Green morays hunt mainly at night and take fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. They search caves and crevices for prey, usually living alone. Larger food may be torn into pieces rather than swallowed whole.

Sources

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