Goldentail Moray

Gymnothorax miliaris

Goldentail Moray is a tropical Atlantic reef eel with a yellow to brown body and a bright yellow tail. It hides in holes and crevices by day and hunts at night, feeding mainly on small fishes and crustaceans.

Saltwater

Goldentail Moray reference image — James St. John, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Golden-yellow tail that contrasts with the darker front half of the body
Small dark spots scattered on a yellow to brown body
Moray head with tubular nostrils and a continuous eel-like dorsal fin

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, rocky ledges, rubble slopes, and mangrove-adjacent reefs; usually sheltering in crevices and under coral heads from the surf zone to moderate depths.

Bait notes

Best taken with fresh cut fish, squid strips, shrimp, or small live baits presented near reef holes. Angling interest is limited; it is not a common target species.

Behavior

Nocturnal ambush predator that rests with only the head exposed and strikes at passing fish, crabs, and shrimp. It is secretive and can bite hard when handled or hooked.

Caution

Bites can be severe; avoid handlining or reaching into crevices. In some tropical areas reef-associated eels may pose ciguatera risk if eaten, and local regulations may discourage harvest.

Fishing notes

Use stout tackle and short leaders around structure, dropping bait into holes or working edges of reef ledges at night. Retrieve slowly and be ready for a sudden run back into cover.