Green Moray

Gymnothorax funebris

Green Moray (`Gymnothorax funebris`) is a large Atlantic moray eel found on reefs and rocky bottoms. Despite its name it is usually dark olive-brown to greenish and spends much of the day tucked in crevices, hunting at night.

Saltwater

Green Moray reference image — LASZLO ILYES from Cleveland, Ohio, USA, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Long, snake-like body with no visible pectoral fins
Uniform dark olive to greenish-brown coloration with a pale throat
Large head with prominent jaws and a continuous dorsal fin running to the tail

Habitat

Shallow tropical and subtropical Atlantic reefs, rubble slopes, mangroves, and rocky ledges; commonly shelters in holes and caves from the Florida Keys and Bahamas through the Caribbean and western Atlantic.

Bait notes

Not a true target species for most anglers, but will take fresh chunks of fish, squid, or octopus on stout gear when incidentally hooked or intentionally baited near reef holes.

Behavior

Nocturnal ambush predator that feeds on fish, crabs, shrimp, and octopus. It sits with its mouth open to pump water over its gills and may strike from crevices when prey comes close.

Caution

Powerful jaws and sharp teeth can inflict serious bites; handle only with extreme caution and never put fingers near the mouth. Reef eels can occasionally carry ciguatera risk in tropical waters, and many places discourage keeping them.

Fishing notes

Fish heavy tackle close to structure with short leaders and strong hooks; keep clear of crevices where it can dive in. In many areas it is better treated as a catch-and-release incidental catch than a sport fish.