Fin's Fish Guide
The Black cheek moray (Gymnothorax breedeni) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Oceania: Christmas I., Comoros, Mayotte, Marquesas Is., French Polynesia, Europa I. and others
Description
The black cheek moray is a large moray (Muraenidae) from the Indo-Pacific, around oceanic islands. The species grows to about 1 metre and has an elongate, snake-shaped, light-brown body with a conspicuous black mark around the eye and cheek. As a reef predator it hides by day in crevices of coral and rocky reefs and seizes fish and crustaceans. It bites fiercely and tenaciously when disturbed; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black cheek moray?
The Black cheek moray has a snake-like body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Black cheek moray live?
The Black cheek moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Christmas I., Comoros, Mayotte, Marquesas Is., French Polynesia, Europa I. and others
How big does the Black cheek moray get?
The Black cheek moray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Black cheek moray dangerous to humans?
The Black cheek moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Do not feed or reach into crevices. For a bite: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Moray bites are deep and prone to infection: always have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Black cheek moray edible?
Yes, the Black cheek 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 Black cheek moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black cheek moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.