Latin name

Gymnothorax funebris

Other names

Green Moray Eel

Identification

The body of a typical moray eel is flattened from the sides, the pectoral fins are absent, and the scaleless skin is thick and leathery. The dorsal and anal fins are low, sometimes almost hidden by the wrinkled skin around them. The gill orifice is small and round, and the teeth are large. The green moray eel has an unusual brownish-green color due to the yellow mucus covering the blue body of the eel.

Distribution

The green moray is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of North and South America.

Habitat

Moray eels live mostly on coral reefs or similar rocky places. A moray eel clings to corals and rocks with its back half of its body, allowing its front half to sway with the current. In this position, with its mouth open, it is ready to grab any prey that approaches. This gaping pose seems threatening, but this adaptation is not only suitable for prey, but also for breathing, allowing the eel to pump water through its gills. The green moray eel lives in coral reefs, sometimes going deep in finding of food.

Size

Most morays are large, reaching a length of 5-6 feet. Some reach a length of 10 feet. The green moray reaches an average length of 5-6 feet.

Life history and Behavior

Normally, moray eels are nocturnal, but they never miss an opportunity to emerge from their rocky lair when they have the urge to eat.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on small fish, octopus, crustaceans, mollusks.

Reproduction

No information