Turkey Moray, also known as Guineafowl Moray or White-mouth/Whitemouth Moray, is a type of marine fish from the Muraenidae family.
It lives in coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs, at depths of 1 to 36 meters. This fish prefers shallow waters, with young ones often found in intertidal zones.
As a bottom-dwelling creature, Turkey Moray is frequently observed hunting during low tide on partially exposed reefs.
Its diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans, eating both during the day and likely at night too. Fishers catch this fish using different types of nets.
You need to be cautious while introducing this fish in a reef aquarium.
Turkey Moray Interesting Facts
- Turkey Moray thrives in various environments, including marine, brackish, and freshwater habitats in tropical climates.
- Young fish often reside in shallow intertidal zones and are known to hunt during low tide on partially exposed reefs.
- This species can grow up to 47.2 inches (120.0 centimeters) in length but is commonly found at around 31.5 inches (80.0 centimeters) long.
- It features two rows of jaw teeth with longer canines in the middle row compared to the outer rows.
Turkey Moray Habitat
Turkey Moray is found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Its habitat stretches from East Africa to the Marquesas and Mangaréva Islands, including the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands. It also lives in Southeast Atlantic, specifically South Africa.
This fish is found in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. It’s commonly seen around coral reefs at depths of 1 to 51 meters (3 to 167 feet).
Turkey Moray thrives in tropical climates and is found within latitudes 38°N to 36°S and longitudes 18°E to 129°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Turkey Moray Physical Characteristics
Size: 31.5 inches (80.0 centimeters)
Turkey Moray can grow up to a maximum length of 47.2 inches (120.0 centimeters), but its common length is around 31.5 inches (80.0 centimeters).
This fish has a white mouth that stands out against its dark skin with small white spots. It doesn’t have any dorsal or anal spines, nor any soft rays.
There are typically 4 to 6 predorsal vertebrae in this species.
Some other key features of Turkey Moray include:
- Body depth at the gill opening is 11 to 18 times its total length,
- The tail tapers only slightly until the very end,
- The dorsal fin starts halfway between the gill opening and the corner of the mouth,
- Its anus is located before the middle of its body,
- It has two rows of jaw teeth, with five rows at the front of the upper jaw,
- Longer canines are found in the middle row than outer rows, and there are 7 to 12 smaller canines on each side of the upper jaw.
Turkey Moray Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Muraenidae |
| Genus: | Gymnothorax |
| Scientific Name: | Gymnothorax meleagris |
| Also Known As: | Turkey Moray, Guineafowl Moray, White-mouth/Whitemouth Moray |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |