Fin's Fish Guide
The Fangtooth moray (Enchelycore anatina) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, especially around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa, on rocky and hole-riddled reefs of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The fangtooth moray is a bright-yellow to brown-yellow moray of the family Muraenidae reaching about 1.2 metres. The snake-like, scaleless body lacks pectoral fins and has a continuous fin fringe; striking are the long, strongly curved jaws full of thin, needle-sharp teeth that do not fully close, so the teeth are always visible. The species lives on rocky reefs of the eastern Atlantic, especially around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa. By day it shelters with only its head out of a rock crevice; at night it ambushes fish and squid. It is not venomous, but can bite fiercely when disturbed and then causes deep wounds. Because of its beautiful colour it is popular with underwater photographers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fangtooth moray?
The Fangtooth moray has a snake-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Bright yellow to brownish yellow moray with strikingly long, curved jaws full of needle teeth that do not close completely; a snake-like body without pectoral fins.
Where does the Fangtooth moray live?
The Fangtooth moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic, especially around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa, on rocky and hole-riddled reefs of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Fangtooth moray get?
The Fangtooth moray grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the Fangtooth moray dangerous to humans?
The Fangtooth moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but the long, needle-sharp teeth cause deep, readily infected bite wounds: clean the wound thoroughly, disinfect and seek medical help for a serious bite.
Is the Fangtooth moray edible?
The Fangtooth moray is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Fangtooth moray and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Enchelycore
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Fangtooth moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fangtooth moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.