Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitelip moray (Echidna rhodochilus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 34 cm.
Description
The Whitelip moray is a moray eel (Muraenidae) from reef water of coastal, brackish and fresh water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, muscular, scaleless, eel-like body without pectoral fins, a long dorsal fin margin and a strong mouth. As a nocturnal ambush predator it shelters by day with only its head out of a crevice and hunts by night. When disturbed or handled it can give a deep, tearing bite; keep hands out of crevices.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitelip moray?
The Whitelip moray has a snake-like body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Whitelip moray live?
The Whitelip moray lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
How big does the Whitelip moray get?
The Whitelip moray grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.
Is the Whitelip moray dangerous to humans?
The Whitelip moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A moray bite causes deep, ragged tearing wounds that infect quickly. Do not pull back if the bite locks on; rinse copiously with clean water, control bleeding with pressure and cover. Seek medical care, as suturing, antibiotics and a tetanus booster are often needed.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Echidna
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitelip moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitelip moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.