MORAY EELS
MURAENIDAE
Green Moray Eel
Gymnothorax funebris
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size Diet Behaviour Sex 
Be, Co, R to 1.5m Pisc, Cru, Noct I F
 
 
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,
uniformly green to brown, without markings.

Ecology
Inhabits a wide range of habitats, from murky bays to clear-water reefs, down to 30m (100ft). 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. It mainly feeds at night on fish and crustaceans. It is aggressive and its bite can be dangerous to humans.

Life Cycle
Reproductive behaviour has not been properly documented. Engages in external fertilisation at specific sites. Frequency of breeding is unknown. Millions of eggs produced but only a small amount are fertilized; even less being able to survive into adulthood. This species does not engage in any form of care for their offspring.
Green Moray Eel
(C) Dr P Ryan/ RyanPhotographic
Green Moray Eel
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