Latin name

Enchelycore anatina

Other name

Tiger moray or bird-eye conger.

Identification

The Fangtooth moray has an elongated, powerful body that is slightly compressed from the sides. Its head has a slightly raised occipital region. Its jaws are elongated and contain a large number of long, glass-like teeth. It has 146–158 vertebrae.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal and anal fins are fused with the caudal fin, all of which are covered with thick skin. The dorsal fin begins above or slightly in front of the gill openings on the head. There are no pectoral or pelvic fins.

Fish colouring

The fangtooth moray's body is moderate to dark brown, lighter on the front and lower part of the head. Small pale spots are scattered across its head, and large spots and patches are found on its body and fins.

Distribution

They are widespread in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Eastern Atlantic: The Canary Islands, the Azores, Cape Verde, Madeira, Saint Helena, and the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In the western Atlantic, they are found from Bermuda and Florida to Rio de Janeiro.

Habitat

This is a subtropical, marine, demersal species. They inhabit rocky bottoms that are rich in crevices. Depth range: 3 to 60 meters.

Size

These fish have a maximum body length of 120 cm.

Behavior

Moray eels are nocturnal carnivores.

Food and feeding habits

They hide among rocks, waiting for prey. Their diet consists mainly of bottom-dwelling fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans.

Reproduction

Fangtooth moray eels reproduce through external fertilization. Females release eggs, and males release sperm into the water column at the same time.

Fishing

It may be consumed in subsistence fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.