Fin's Fish Guide
The Peppered moray (Uropterygius polystictus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 72 cm.
Description
The Peppered moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, eel-like, scaleless body without pectoral fins and a mouth with sharp teeth; the skin is often finely spotted or marbled. As a nocturnal predator it shelters by day with only its head out of a crevice and hunts small fish and crustaceans at night. It does not attack people, but can bite fiercely when threatened or handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Peppered moray?
The Peppered moray has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Peppered moray live?
The Peppered moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Colombia, Galapagos Is., Mexico
How big does the Peppered moray get?
The Peppered moray grows to a maximum of about 72 cm.
Is the Peppered moray dangerous to humans?
The Peppered moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. For a bite: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, stop the bleeding with pressure and cover with a sterile dressing. A moray bite is ragged and easily becomes infected; clean it carefully and for a deep or extensive wound see a doctor and check tetanus protection.
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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 Peppered moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Peppered moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.