Fin's Fish Guide
The Freckleface reef-eel (Uropterygius xanthopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 62 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Marquesas Is., French Polynesia, Kiribati and others
Description
The freckleface reef-eel is a moray (Muraenidae) from coastal and reef-lagoon water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 62 cm and has an elongate, snake-shaped, brownish, scaleless body with fine pale freckles on the head, to which it owes its name, and strongly reduced fins. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it hides by day among stones and in crevices of shallow reefs and hunts small crustaceans and small fish at night. It bites when disturbed; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Freckleface reef-eel?
The Freckleface reef-eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Freckleface reef-eel live?
The Freckleface reef-eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Marquesas Is., French Polynesia, Kiribati and others
How big does the Freckleface reef-eel get?
The Freckleface reef-eel grows to a maximum of about 62 cm.
Is the Freckleface reef-eel dangerous to humans?
The Freckleface reef-eel can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Do not feed or reach into crevices. For a bite: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Moray bites are deep and prone to infection: always have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
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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 Freckleface reef-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Freckleface reef-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.