Whitemouth Moray
Gymnothorax meleagris
Whitemouth Moray is a reef-dwelling moray eel of the Indo-Pacific, usually hidden in crevices by day and hunting at night. Its pale mouth lining and spotted body help separate it from similar morays.
識別要點
- Pale whitish mouth and throat lining visible when the jaws are open
- Dark body covered with many small pale spots or speckles
- Long eel-like body with a blunt head and large mouth typical of morays
棲息地
Coral and rocky reef slopes, lagoon patch reefs, and rubble zones with crevices and holes; typically in shallow to moderate-depth tropical marine waters.
誘餌筆記
Not a standard game fish. If targeted, small strips of fish or squid on heavy tackle can tempt it, but most encounters are incidental rather than deliberate.
行為
Nocturnal ambush predator that feeds on fishes and crustaceans. It stays concealed in reef holes during the day and may gape to ventilate its gills, which can look threatening but is normal.
警告
Can inflict serious bites with sharp teeth; do not handline or attempt to grab it. Reef-associated fish may carry ciguatera risk if eaten, and local regulations may discourage retention.
釣魚筆記
Best treated as a catch-and-release bycatch species. If hooked, keep clear of the mouth and use long-handled pliers or dehooking tools; avoid reaching into reef holes or lifting by hand.