Fin's Fish Guide
The Cunning moray (Uropterygius versutus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 56 cm.
South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Panama, Cocos I. (C.R.)
Description
The Cunning moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, eel-like, scaleless body without pectoral fins and a mouth with sharp teeth; the skin is often finely spotted or marbled. As a nocturnal predator it shelters by day with only its head out of a crevice and hunts small fish and crustaceans at night. It does not attack people, but can bite fiercely when threatened or handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cunning moray?
The Cunning 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 Cunning moray live?
The Cunning moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Panama, Cocos I. (C.R.)
How big does the Cunning moray get?
The Cunning moray grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.
Is the Cunning moray dangerous to humans?
The Cunning 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Uropterygius
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Cunning moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cunning moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.