Latin name

Gymnothorax flavimarginatus

Other name

Yellow-margin) moray, leopard moray, and speckled moray.

Identification

The body of the yellow-edged moray is elongated, without scales. The body length is 15-17 times the total body length. The dorsal profile of the head above and behind the eyes is raised due to the development of strong head muscles, giving the head a bulbous shape. The muzzle is rounded. The jaws are not arched and can be fully closed, and the teeth are not visible when the jaws are closed. The posterior nostril is not tubular, but has a raised rim. Vertebrae 129-137.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0.

The dorsal fin begins just behind the head, extends to the caudal part of the body and joins the caudal and anal fins. The dorsal and anal fins are covered with skin but are clearly visible. The pectoral and ventral fins are absent. 

Fish colouring

The body is yellowish, densely covered with a dark brown pattern. The head is violet-grey. The posterior edges of the fins are yellowish green. Black spot on gill openings. Juveniles with brown spots on a pale yellow ground.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific from South Africa to the Red Sea and east to French Polynesia and Hawaii; north to Japan and south to Australia. Eastern Pacifica: Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Galapagos Islands.

Habitat

Benthic marine fish. They live in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reef areas at depths of 1 to 150 metres. 

Size

The maximum length is 240 cm and the mass is up to 2617 g.

Behavior

They live solitary lives, often hiding in crevices in rocks and coral with only their heads sticking out. Sometimes they share their shelter with relatives or other moray eel species. They are mainly nocturnal, but will swim freely in the morning and evening hours. 

Food and feeding habits

They feed on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.

Reproduction

Mating between compatible individuals begins when the water temperature reaches its highest point. They begin sexual behaviour by opening their mouths wide. They then embrace each other with their long, slender bodies, either as a pair or two males and a female. They then simultaneously release sperm and eggs in the fertilisation process, signalling the end of their relationship.

Fishing

It is a commercially important species and can be found in the aquarium trade.

Relationship with a person

Reports of ciguatera poisoning need confirmation. It is consumed as food in parts of the Indo-Pacific region.