Fin's Fish Guide
The Bars'n'spots moray (Gymnothorax punctatofasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others
Description
The Bars'n'spots moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a slender, eel-like, scaleless body without pectoral fins and a mouth with sharp teeth; the skin is often spotted or marbled. As a nocturnal predator it shelters by day with only its head out of a crevice and hunts small fish, crustaceans and squid at night. It does not attack people, but can bite fiercely when threatened or handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bars'n'spots moray?
The Bars'n'spots moray has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Bars'n'spots moray live?
The Bars'n'spots moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others
How big does the Bars'n'spots moray get?
The Bars'n'spots moray grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Bars'n'spots moray dangerous to humans?
The Bars'n'spots moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. For a bite: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, stop the bleeding with pressure and cover with a sterile dressing. A moray bite is ragged and easily becomes infected; clean it carefully and for a deep or extensive wound see a doctor and check tetanus protection.
Is the Bars'n'spots moray edible?
Yes, the Bars'n'spots moray is commonly 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 Bars'n'spots moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bars'n'spots moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.