Fin's Fish Guide
The Berndt's moray (Gymnothorax berndti) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
Berndt's moray is a large moray eel from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 100 cm and has a snake-like, scaleless body with a yellowish-brown colour and dark blotches around the gill opening. As a nocturnal reef predator it shelters by day in crevices of rocky reefs and steep slopes and hunts fish and crustaceans at night. It is not aggressive, but can bite hard with sharp teeth if disturbed. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Berndt's moray?
The Berndt's moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Snake-like body; nocturnal reef moray that bites when disturbed
Where does the Berndt's moray live?
The Berndt's moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Berndt's moray get?
The Berndt's moray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Berndt's moray dangerous to humans?
The Berndt's moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Morays do not bite unprovoked, but when disturbed or caught they can bite deeply with backward-pointing teeth and are hard to shake off. Clean any bite wound thoroughly, stop the bleeding and seek medical help; moray bites infect easily.
Is the Berndt's moray edible?
The Berndt's moray 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 Berndt's moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Berndt's moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.