WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Giant Moray

Gymnothorax javanicus

Also known as: Blackpearl Moray, Blackpearl Moray Eel, Java Moray Eel, Tropical Moray Eel., Tropical Moray Eel

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2019
Adult
@fishx6 · Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives · August 20061 / 47
01

Overview

Found singly, pairs, or with other morays, hiding in crevices and holes, amongst debris, rock, and rubble, over lagoons and seaward reefs.
They feed nocturnally on crustaceans and fish.
Can bite if divers come too close.

The largest of all the Morays.

Morays open and close their mouths to move water through their gills for respiration.
This behaviour can often be seen as a threat especially towards divers, in fact this is far from the truth, they are very shy creatures and will only attack if provoked!

02

How to identify

COLOURS

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific
  • Country only · 47
LIVES IN

Found singly, pairs, or with other morays, hiding in crevices and holes, amongst debris, rock, and rubble, over lagoons and seaward reefs.

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Adult photos 47

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Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderAnguilliformes
    5. familyMuraenidae
    6. genusGymnothorax
    7. speciesGymnothorax javanicus (Bleeker, 1859)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Moray Eels (Muraenidae)