Fin's Fish Guide
The Chestnut moray (Gymnothorax castaneus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The Panamic green moray is a large moray eel (Muraenidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a robust, eel-shaped, scaleless body that looks brown-green to olive, with needle-sharp teeth; the dorsal, caudal and anal fins form a continuous fringe and pelvic and pectoral fins are absent. It inhabits rocky, boulder-strewn areas and walls, where it shelters in holes and crevices by day and hunts fishes and crustaceans in the open at night. The sharp teeth can give a serious bite when handled; otherwise the fish is not aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chestnut moray?
The Chestnut moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large brown-green moray that shelters in rock crevices during the day and hunts in the open at night.
Where does the Chestnut moray live?
The Chestnut moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; rocky, boulder-strewn areas and walls.
How big does the Chestnut moray get?
The Chestnut moray grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Chestnut moray dangerous to humans?
No, the Chestnut moray is harmless to humans. The sharp teeth can give a serious bite when handled. Clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly; moray bites readily become infected, so seek medical care for a deep wound or infection.
Is the Chestnut moray edible?
The Chestnut moray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chestnut moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.