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Saddled moray (Gymnothorax conspersus) — Muraenidae

Saddled moray

Gymnothorax conspersus
Family: Muraenidae

The Saddled moray (Gymnothorax conspersus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 110 cm.

Length
110 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–310.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
May bite
Range
North America: Antigua Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Virgin Is. (UK), Colombia and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Saddled moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from the Atlantic Ocean. The species grows to about 110 cm and has a robust, snake-shaped, scaleless body. The brown body bears faint dark saddle blotches. As a secretive reef predator it hides in crevices of coral and rocky reefs by day and seizes fish, crustaceans and squid at night. It bites fiercely when disturbed; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Saddled moray?

The Saddled moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.

Where does the Saddled moray live?

The Saddled moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Antigua Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Virgin Is. (UK), Colombia and others

How big does the Saddled moray get?

The Saddled moray grows to a maximum of about 110 cm.

Is the Saddled moray dangerous to humans?

The Saddled moray 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.

Is the Saddled moray edible?

Yes, the Saddled moray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Saddled moray sourced
Scientific name
Gymnothorax conspersus
Family
Muraenidae
Other names
Saddled moray verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
110.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
310.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Antigua Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Virgin Is. (UK), Colombia and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified
First aid
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. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Gymnothorax

More from the family Muraenidae

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