Fimbriated Moray, also known as Dark-spotted Moray or Spot-face Moray, is a type of eel in the Muraenidae family. It lives in lagoons, reef flats, and seaward reefs.
This eel prefers to stay in protected waters near dead corals and is often found in harbors and small caves.
Fimbriated Moray is likely active at night (nocturnal) and eats fish and crustaceans. This eel has a long lifespan but isn’t safe for coral reef aquariums.
One captive Fimbriated Moray has lived for 18 years, growing over 39.4 inches (100.0 centimeters) long and weighing around 10 pounds.
Fimbriated Moray Interesting Facts
- Fimbriated Morays are nocturnal, feeding on fish and crustaceans.
- They inhabit tropical waters from Madagascar to Japan and Australia.
- These eels grow up to 36.8 inches (93.4 centimeters) in males and 34.3 inches (87.2 centimeters) in females.
- Their teeth are arranged in a single row with alternating large canines and small pointed teeth.
Fimbriated Moray Habitat
Fimbriated Moray is found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Its habitat stretches from Madagascar to the Society Islands and reaches as far north as southern Japan and south to Queensland, Australia.
This eel lives in marine and brackish environments near reefs at depths of 7 to 50 meters (about 23 to 164 feet). It thrives in tropical waters within latitudes of 30°N to 28°S.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Fimbriated Moray Physical Characteristics
Size: 36.8 inches (93.4 centimeters)
Male Fimbriated Moray grows up to 36.8 inches (93.4 centimeters) long, while females reach up to 34.3 inches (87.2 centimeters).
The maximum published weight is 1.5 kg for males and 1.2 kg for females. This eel has a pale tan or greyish-brown color, often with a yellow hue on its head.
It has irregular dark brown to black spots and partial bars on its body and fins, which are larger in young eels.
The body depth at the gill opening makes up about 14% to 18% of the total length (TL).
Fimbriated Moray has a high dorsal fin that starts slightly before the gill opening, and its anus is located just before the middle of the body.
Its jaws are narrow with lower ones slightly curved. The front teeth are arranged in a single row and have alternating large canines and small pointed teeth.
There are two pairs of elongated canines at the front of the lower jaw. This eel also has 128 to 142 vertebrae, including 4 to 5 predorsal ones.
Fimbriated Moray Reproduction
There is a possibility that Fimbriated Moray changes its gender from female to male, but this has not been confirmed yet.
Fimbriated Moray Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Muraenidae |
| Genus: | Gymnothorax |
| Scientific Name: | Gymnothorax fimbriatus |
| Also Known As: | Fimbriated Moray, Dark-spotted Moray, Spot-face Moray |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |