Fin's Fish Guide
The Bar-cheeked eel (Gymnothorax pictus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Description
The peppered moray is a large moray eel of the family Muraenidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 1.4 metres and has an elongate, snake-like, pale body densely studded with fine black dots and flecks, like ground pepper. It inhabits reef flats and rocky intertidal shores, unusually shallow for a moray. As a predator it hunts small fishes, crabs and squid, and is known to venture among rocks at high tide and even partly out of the water to seize crabs. With its powerful jaws and sharp teeth it can give a nasty bite; never put a hand into crevices.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bar-cheeked eel?
The Bar-cheeked eel has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Pale-coloured with fine 'pepper' speckling; at high tide it ventures partly out of the water to seize crabs.
Where does the Bar-cheeked eel live?
The Bar-cheeked eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; reef flats and rocky intertidal coasts.
How big does the Bar-cheeked eel get?
The Bar-cheeked eel grows to a maximum of about 140 cm.
Is the Bar-cheeked eel dangerous to humans?
The Bar-cheeked eel is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Not venomous, but the powerful jaws with sharp teeth can give a nasty bite; never put a hand into crevices and handle a caught specimen with care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Bar-cheeked eel edible?
The Bar-cheeked eel is rarely eaten.
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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 Bar-cheeked eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bar-cheeked eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.