Fin's Fish Guide
The Freckled moray (Gymnothorax thyrsoideus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 73 cm.
Description
The freckled moray is a moray eel from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 73 cm and has a snake-like, scaleless, light-brown body densely covered with fine dark freckles; its whitish eyes are conspicuous. As a nocturnal reef predator it shelters by day in crevices and tidal pools and hunts small fish and crustaceans. It can bite with sharp teeth if disturbed. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Freckled moray?
The Freckled moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Fine dark freckles and whitish eyes; nocturnal reef moray
Where does the Freckled moray live?
The Freckled moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Freckled moray get?
The Freckled moray grows to a maximum of about 73 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Freckled moray dangerous to humans?
The Freckled moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Morays do not bite unprovoked, but when disturbed or caught they can bite deeply with backward-pointing teeth and are hard to shake off. Clean any bite wound thoroughly, stop the bleeding and seek medical help; moray bites infect easily.
Is the Freckled moray edible?
The Freckled 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 Freckled moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Freckled moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.