Latin name

Gymnothorax margaritophorus

Other name

Blackpearl moray, pearly moray, pearly reef-eel, trunk-eyed moray.

Identification

The species was first named by Pieter Bleeker in 1864.

Have 126-143 vertebrae. Also characterized by depth of body at gill opening 18-23 inches; beginning of dorsal fin slightly closer to gill opening than to corner of mouth; anus anterior to center of body; front of upper jaw with three rows of teeth, 3-4 fangs in outer row on each side, small teeth in between; two large canines in middle row; side of upper jaw with outer row of small teeth; about four large teeth in inner row; row of small teeth on each side of lower jaw; front of jaw with two pairs of small canines.

Features of fish fins

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

Fish colouring

Coloration is yellowish, with spots and irregular stripes, brown to whitish ventrally on head and abdomen. 

Distribution

Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region: East Africa to the Line and Socium Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Habitat

Tropical marine bottom species inhabiting coral reefs. Depth range from 1 to 45 meters.

Size

The maximum length of this species is 70 cm. 

Behavior

Occurs on reef banks and outer reef slopes at a depth of at least 20 m. 

Food and feeding habits

It feeds on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. 

Reproduction

It is possible that this species is a primordial hermaphrodite. 

Fishing

Have a minor commercial interest in the fishery.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.