Fin's Fish Guide
The Tidepool snake moray (Uropterygius micropterus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 37 cm.
Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, South Africa, Samoa, Andaman Is., Australia and others
Description
The tidepool snake moray is a small moray (Muraenidae) from coastal and tidal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 37 cm and has an elongate, snake-shaped, brownish, scaleless body with strongly reduced fins. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it hides by day among stones and in crevices of tide pools and shallow reefs and hunts small crustaceans and small fish at night. It bites when disturbed; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tidepool snake moray?
The Tidepool snake moray has a snake-like body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Tidepool snake moray live?
The Tidepool snake moray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, South Africa, Samoa, Andaman Is., Australia and others
How big does the Tidepool snake moray get?
The Tidepool snake moray grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Tidepool snake moray dangerous to humans?
The Tidepool snake 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.
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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 Tidepool snake moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tidepool snake moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.