Latin name

Echidna nocturna

Other name

Palenose moray, greyface moray eel, slender moray, white-eyed moray.

Identification

The freckled moray eel has a long, snake-like body with an average of 120 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 are grey-brown in colour with rows of small white spots along the body. Their nose is lighter in colour than the rest of their body.

Distribution

Widespread throughout the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Habitat

Marine benthic species. Depth ranges from 0 to 30 metres. They are found both in intertidal areas and on coral reefs. Like other morays, they have a pelagic larval phase.

Size

The average adult length is 48.26 cm. Juveniles range in size from 8.52 cm to 35.48 cm with an average length of 22 cm. They weigh from 1.12 g to 296.1 g with an average of 49.62 g. 

Behavior

Juveniles typically inhabit rocky coastal pools, while adults live near pools or on coral reefs.

Food and feeding habits

An extremely carnivorous species. Their diet consists mainly of shrimps of the family Penaeoidea. They also eat crabs (Brachyura), lobsters and clams, and possibly other soft-bodied invertebrates.

Reproduction

Possibly a protogynous hermaphrodite.

Fishing

The species is of negligible commercial interest in fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.