Classification

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Class Actinopterygii
Order Anguilliformes
Family Muraenidae
Genus Gymnothorax
Species G. funebris

habitat & Range

Habitat & Range Map Green moray eels can be found in benthic areas containing reefs, rocky substrate, or mangroves.

Did you know?

Green moray eels have been known to visit “cleaning stations” and allow cleaner wrasses to pick parasites and dead tissues off the eel’s body
These eels are nocturnal and feed on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods at night and hide in crevices during the day.
Larvae possess pectoral fins that must be resorbed as it develops into a juvenile.
This species, along with some other reef fish, may have toxins in their flesh that can poison those who eat it.

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Form & Function

Like most other eel species, the green moray has an elongate, scaleless body with a long dorsal fin extending along the length of the body that seams with the caudal and anal fins. This is one of the largest eel species, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet. Their bodies are brown but get a green coloration due to a layer of yellow mucus. The layer of mucus that covers this eel helps to protect it from parasites and harmful bacteria. The green moray eel is able to wrap its body into a knot to help provide it leverage when feeding on larger prey.

Conservation & YOu

Least concern (IUCN) Their populations face no major threats, but this species is susceptible to habitat loss due to changing environmental conditions. You can help the green moray by supporting habitat protection.

Green Moray Eel

Classification

habitat & Range

Did you know?

Form & Function

Conservation & YOu