Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackedge moray (Gymnothorax ocellatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Description
The blackedge moray is a moray eel (Muraenidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 90 cm and has a brown, eel-like body with a few eye-spots along the black-edged dorsal fin, to which the name refers. Unlike many morays it occurs mainly on deep, soft bottoms and banks and in estuaries and lagoons, and only rarely on coral reef. It lives solitarily and feeds mainly on crustaceans. With its sharp teeth it can bite when handled. The species is eaten locally fresh or salted.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackedge moray?
The Blackedge moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Lives on soft bottoms and in estuaries, rarely on coral reef; eyespots along the black-edged dorsal fin.
Where does the Blackedge moray live?
The Blackedge moray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, on soft bottoms and in estuaries.
How big does the Blackedge moray get?
The Blackedge moray grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Blackedge moray dangerous to humans?
The Blackedge 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 Blackedge moray edible?
The Blackedge 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 Blackedge moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackedge moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.