Spotted moray
Gymnothorax moringa
(Cuvier, 1829)
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 heavy to medium, ground color white to yellow, speckled with dark spots and blotches.
Size: 0.5 - 0.9 meter.
Habitat:
Inhabit shallow reefs, coral rubble and seagrass beds, down to 12 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:
Occasional Florida and Bahamas, common Caribbean, south to Brazil and eastern Atlantic.