Latin name

Gymnothorax prionodon

Other name

Mottled moray

Identification

The teeth of the Australian mottled moray are located on two pairs of jaws - the second pair is located deep in the pharynx, but can be extended to grab prey and drag it down the esophagus.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0.

Fish colouring

They have a brown to reddish-brown body color with a varied pattern of small to medium-sized spots (sometimes eye spots) on the head, body, and tail.

Distribution

Widespread in the Western Pacific: from southern Japan to the South China Sea, Australia and New Zealand.

Habitat

A temperate marine species associated with reefs, typically found at depths of 20-80m.

Size

The maximum length of this species is 150 cm and the common length is 80 cm.

Behavior

If provoked, this species will bite at lightning speed before retreating.

Food and feeding habits

Predators that feed on various species of fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. 

Reproduction

Females lay eggs that are immediately abandoned. Males then swim to the clutch site. They fertilize the eggs; a clutch may be fertilized by several males. The larvae hatch from the eggs after about two weeks and are carried by the current along with plankton.

Fishing

Have a minor commercial interest in the fishery.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.