Leopard moray eel (Enchelycore pardalis)

Latin name

Enchelycore pardalis

Other names

Tiger moray eel, dragon moray.

Identification

Total number of vertebrae is 119-126. Long tubular posterior nostrils are located on the snout above the anterior part of the eye; anterior nostrils are also tubular, but shorter than the posterior nostrils. It lives up to 30 years in the wild.

Features of fish fins

Have a long dorsal fin, but lack pelvic and pectoral fins.

Fish colouring

Brightly colored fish, brown to brownish-orange with irregular dark brown stripes on the body and many white spots with dark edges. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific from Reunion Island to southern Japan, South Korea, New Caledonia and Hawaii.

Habitat

Tropical marine species. Inhabit rocky and coral reefs at depths from 8 to 60 m. 

Size

The body length reaches 92 centimeters. 

Behavior

They lead a secretive, solitary lifestyle, hiding in rocks, crevices and coral. They have an aggressive nature.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on fish and crustaceans. Small individuals leave the shelter at dusk and hunt until dawn. Large individuals hunt every few days. Have poor eyesight, so it is oriented by hearing with a sense of smell.

Reproduction

Reproduction is not well studied. It is known that the fish lays 100-200 thousand eggs. The larvae reach a size of 1 cm two weeks after birth.

Fishing

They have no commercial importance. Often ciguatoxic.

Relationship with a person

They are kept in aquariums. For good health in it, they need to make a lot of hiding places.