Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinea moray eel (Gymnothorax meleagris) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The whitemouth moray is a moray eel (Muraenidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 120 cm and has a dark-brown, eel-like body sprinkled with white spots, like pearls, and a conspicuously white mouth cavity. It lives in coral-rich parts of lagoon and seaward reefs and prefers very shallow water; juveniles often occur in the intertidal zone. Unlike many morays it also hunts by day, mainly at low tide among partly exposed reefs, mainly for fishes and additionally crustaceans. The flesh of large specimens can cause ciguatera poisoning.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinea moray eel?
The Guinea moray eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. White mouth cavity; also hunts during the day at low tide; flesh of large individuals can be ciguatoxic.
Where does the Guinea moray eel live?
The Guinea moray eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, on coral-rich reefs.
How big does the Guinea moray eel get?
The Guinea moray eel grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Guinea moray eel dangerous to humans?
The Guinea moray eel is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Harmless to handle, but large specimens can cause ciguatera poisoning if eaten. In case of tingling, nausea, vomiting or a reversed hot-cold sensation seek medical help.
Is the Guinea moray eel edible?
The Guinea moray eel 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 Guinea moray eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinea moray eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.