Fin's Fish Guide
The Marbled eel (Uropterygius marmoratus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 62 cm.
Description
The marbled moray is a moray eel (Muraenidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an eel-shaped, scaleless body with a marbled brown-white pattern and needle-sharp teeth; the dorsal, caudal and anal fins form a low fringe and pelvic and pectoral fins are absent. It is bottom-dwelling in crevices from shallow water to about 121 m deep and is a relatively uncommon inhabitant of reef flats and seaward reefs. At night it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. The sharp teeth can give a serious bite when handled; otherwise the fish is not aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled eel?
The Marbled eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Marbled brown-white pattern; eel-shaped moray that shelters in reef crevices during the day and hunts at night.
Where does the Marbled eel live?
The Marbled eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; reef flats and seaward reefs.
How big does the Marbled eel get?
The Marbled eel grows to a maximum of about 62 cm.
Is the Marbled eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Marbled eel is harmless to humans. The sharp teeth can give a serious bite when handled. Clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly; moray bites readily become infected, so seek medical care for a deep wound or infection.
Is the Marbled eel edible?
The Marbled eel is rarely eaten.
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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 Marbled eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.