Fin's Fish Guide
The Brownspotted moray (Gymnothorax fuscomaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Christmas I., Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others
Description
The Brownspotted 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 Brownspotted moray?
The Brownspotted 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 Brownspotted moray live?
The Brownspotted moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Christmas I., Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others
How big does the Brownspotted moray get?
The Brownspotted moray grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Brownspotted moray dangerous to humans?
The Brownspotted 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 Brownspotted moray edible?
Yes, the Brownspotted 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 Brownspotted moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brownspotted moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.