Green Moray is a large species of moray eel found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Long Island to Brazil.
It lives at depths up to 130 feet and grows up to 8.2 feet long. This makes it the largest moray species in the tropical Atlantic.
Although not endangered, this species is not well-studied, and its numbers could be underestimated by up to 400% in visual surveys.
Sometimes, people mistake Yellow Moray (Gymnothorax prasinus) for Green Moray.
The green color comes from a layer of mucus that protects its skin. Underneath this layer, Green Morays are actually darker in color.
People usually don’t eat these eels because it can cause Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP).
Green Morays are solitary creatures that live along rocky shorelines, reefs, and mangroves. They usually stay shallower than 30 meters deep.
These eels are aggressive and have dangerous bites due to their size. They mostly eat fish and crustaceans at night time.
Their meat is sold fresh or salted in markets, but beware that larger individuals may be toxic.
Green Morays are also not reef-safe.
Green Moray Interesting Facts
- Green Morays can grow up to 8.2 feet long, making them the largest moray species in the tropical Atlantic.
- Their green color comes from a protective layer of mucus; beneath it, they are actually darker.
- These eels prefer depths between 5 to 30 meters and live along rocky shorelines, reefs, and mangroves.
- During spawning migrations, they produce unique larvae called leptocephalus.
Green Moray Habitat
Green Moray is found in the Western Atlantic region. Its habitat ranges from New Jersey in the United States, Bermuda, and the northern Gulf of Mexico all the way down to Brazil.
There’s even one recorded sighting in Nova Scotia, Canada. It’s also found in parts of the Eastern Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans.
This eel lives in marine environments like coral reefs and prefers a depth range of 1 to 50 meters (3 to 164 feet), but it mostly stays between 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet).
It thrives in tropical waters with a geographical range of 42°N to 30°S and a longitude range of 99°W to 13°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Green Moray Physical Characteristics
Size: 59.1 inches (150.0 centimeters)
Green Moray can grow up to a maximum length of 98.4 inches (250.0 centimeters) but usually reaches around 59.1 inches (150.0 centimeters) long.
The heaviest recorded weighed for this eel is 29 kg (around 64 lbs).
Green Moray Reproduction
Green Moray takes part in spawning migrations. During these migrations, it reproduces a unique type of larva called leptocephalus.
Green Moray Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Muraenidae |
| Genus: | Gymnothorax |
| Scientific Name: | Gymnothorax funebris |
| Also Known As: | Green Moray |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |