Fin's Fish Guide
The Bosch' moray eel (Echidna nebulosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Indo-Pacific, among rocks and corals of intertidal reef flats, shallow lagoons and seaward reefs to about 10 m depth.
Description
The starry moray is a moray eel (family Muraenidae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about a metre and has a snake-like, white body with star-shaped dark blotches and yellow accents. Unlike many morays it has blunt, nodular teeth with which it can crush shellfish. It lives among rocks and corals of intertidal reef flats, shallow lagoons and seaward reefs to about 10 m depth, and is active mainly at night. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. The species bites only when threatened or handled carelessly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bosch' moray eel?
The Bosch' moray eel has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Blunt, knobbly teeth to crack crustaceans; white body with star-shaped dark blotches.
Where does the Bosch' moray eel live?
The Bosch' moray eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific, among rocks and corals of intertidal reef flats, shallow lagoons and seaward reefs to about 10 m depth.
How big does the Bosch' moray eel get?
The Bosch' moray eel grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Bosch' moray eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Bosch' moray eel is harmless to humans. For a bite: clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly, stop the bleeding, and see a doctor for a deep or infected wound.
Is the Bosch' moray eel edible?
The Bosch' moray eel is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Echidna
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Bosch' moray eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bosch' moray eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.