Fine-spotted Moray

Family: Moray Eels (Muraenidae)

Size: Up to 1.7 m (5.5 ft) | Common: 1 m

Depth: 3 – 40m (10 – 130ft)

Distribution: Eastern Pacific (Gulf of California to Ecuador & Galapagos).

Identification:
Often called the “Speckled Moray,” this is a large and distinctively patterned eel.

• Pattern: The body is dark brown to black, covered in hundreds of small, distinct white spots. Unlike the “Jewel Moray” which has larger, yellowish spots, these spots are small and uniform like a starry night.
• Head: The snout is relatively short and blunt compared to the Panamic Green Moray. The eyes often have a subtle golden ring.

Behavior:
A nocturnal ambusher that rules the crevices.

• Habitat: They favor rocky reefs and boulder slopes. During the day, you will usually only see their head sticking out of a hole, rhythmically pumping water over their gills to breathe.
• Diet: They are piscivores (fish eaters) and crustacean hunters. They rely on their excellent sense of smell to hunt at night when the reef is asleep.