Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded moray (Gymnothorax rueppelliae) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The banded moray is a moray eel (Muraenidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 80 cm and has a pale, eel-like body with dark cross-bands and a yellowish head. It lives in clear water of lagoons and seaward reefs, where it stays in crevices and holes. Adults hunt mainly at night for fishes and crustaceans. The species is known as nervous and aggressive and can bite powerfully with its sharp teeth when approached or handled. By day it often protrudes only its head from its shelter.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded moray?
The Banded moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical bars and a yellowish head; nervous and aggressive, can bite hard.
Where does the Banded moray live?
The Banded moray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, in clear lagoons and seaward reefs.
How big does the Banded moray get?
The Banded moray grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Banded moray dangerous to humans?
The Banded moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Morays can inflict a deep, ragged bite with their sharp, rearward-pointing teeth that readily becomes infected. Do not provoke or feed the animal and do not put a hand into crevices; flush a bite thoroughly and seek medical help.
Is the Banded moray edible?
Yes, the Banded moray is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnothorax
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.