Goldentail moray
Gymnothorax miliaris
(Kaup, 1856)
Description:
Body long and snake-like, without pectoral or ventral fins; dorsal, tail and anal fins form a single, long, continuous fin that begins behind the head, encircles the tail and extends midway down the belly. Body scale-less and coated with a clear, protective mucus layer.
Body in shades of brown with small yellow spots. The size of the spots can vary considerably between individuals and might even reverse, with a yellow ground color and brown spots or form a net like-pattern. Tip of tail yellow to gold. Eyes with a ring of yellow around the pupils.
Size: 25 - 40 cm.
Habitat:
Prefer shallow to mid-range coral reefs, down to 15 meters. Hide during the day in recesses; heads often extend from openings. Forage in open at night. Constantly open and close mouth in order to move water through their gills for respiration.
Distribution:
Uncommon Florida, occasional Bahamas and common to occasional Caribbean.