Latin name

Gymnothorax fimbriatus

Other name

Dark-spotted moray or spot-face moray.

Identification

Fimbriated moray eels have a serpentine body and a pointed head. They have between 128 and 142 vertebrae.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin runs along the back just behind the head and merges seamlessly with the caudal and anal fins.

Fish colouring

These fish have a white/cream to tan colouration with numerous black spots which vary in size and shape depending on the individual and maturity. The snout is greenish-yellow with black spots and the corners of the mouth are white.

Distribution

Widespread in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, mainly on the coastal reefs of oceanic islands from Madagascar to Polynesia and from southern Japan to New Caledonia.

Habitat

Marine, preferring brackish waters. Depths from 0 to 50 m. Occurs in sheltered areas on the outer slopes of coral reefs, on upper reefs, in lagoons and harbours. 

Size

The fimbriated moray is a medium-sized moray. Maximum length is 93.4 cm for males and 87.2 cm for females. Maximum weight: 1.5 kg.

Behavior

Prefers sheltered coastal waters among dead coral, often found in harbours and small caves. Probably nocturnal, hiding during the day in crevices 1 to 50 metres deep. 

Food and feeding habits

Carnivorous, they leave their burrow at night to actively hunt their prey along the reef. They feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

Reproduction

Possibly a protogynous hermaphrodite.

Fishing

The species is of negligible commercial interest in fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.