Fin's Fish Guide
The Common hawaiian moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The undulated moray is a moray eel of the family Muraenidae widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific. The species has an elongate, snake-like body reaching about 150 cm, with a dark ground colour and an undulating, lighter network pattern, and a yellow head. By day it shelters in crevices and holes of reef flats and lagoons; at night it actively hunts fishes and octopuses. With its powerful jaws and sharp teeth it can inflict a serious bite, so caution is needed. The undulated moray is a common, mainly nocturnal reef dweller.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common hawaiian moray?
The Common hawaiian moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Snake-like body with a wavy network pattern and a yellow head; nocturnal reef hunter.
Where does the Common hawaiian moray live?
The Common hawaiian moray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs to over 25 m.
How big does the Common hawaiian moray get?
The Common hawaiian moray grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Common hawaiian moray dangerous to humans?
The Common hawaiian moray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Not venomous, but the powerful jaws with sharp teeth can give a serious bite; never put a hand into crevices and handle a caught specimen with care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Common hawaiian moray edible?
The Common hawaiian 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 Common hawaiian moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common hawaiian moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.