Fin's Fish Guide
The Viper moray (Enchelynassa canina) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 250 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Cook Is., Tuamotu Is. and others
Description
The viper moray is a large moray (Muraenidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 2.5 metres and has an elongate, snake-shaped, dark-brown, scaleless body with a strongly curved jaw full of long, needle-sharp, non-closing teeth that give it a viper-like look. As a nocturnal reef predator it hides by day in crevices and seizes fish and octopus at night. It bites very fiercely when disturbed; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Viper moray?
The Viper moray has a snake-like body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Viper moray live?
The Viper moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Cook Is., Tuamotu Is. and others
How big does the Viper moray get?
The Viper moray grows to a maximum of about 250 cm.
Is the Viper moray dangerous to humans?
The Viper 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
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Viper moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Viper moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.