Fin's Fish Guide
The Spottail moray (Gymnothorax equatorialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 82 cm.
Description
The equatorial moray is a moray eel (Muraenidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has an eel-shaped, scaleless body with a large mouth full of sharp teeth; the dorsal, caudal and anal fins are fused into a continuous fringe and pelvic and pectoral fins are absent. It is bottom-living on sand and mud bottoms of coastal waters, where it shelters in holes by day and hunts fishes and crustaceans at night. The sharp teeth can give a serious bite when handled; otherwise the fish is not aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spottail moray?
The Spottail moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped moray of soft bottoms; shelters in burrows during the day, hunts at night.
Where does the Spottail moray live?
The Spottail moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; sand and mud bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Spottail moray get?
The Spottail moray grows to a maximum of about 82 cm.
Is the Spottail moray dangerous to humans?
No, the Spottail moray 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 Spottail moray edible?
The Spottail moray 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 Spottail moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spottail moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.