Yellowmouth Moray
Gymnothorax nudivomer
Max Size
See in AppMax Weight
—
Max Depth
271 m
Description
Other names: Starry Moray or Yellow-mouthed Moray.
Description
The starry moray is a large sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 180 cm, but the ones usually observed are rather smaller. Its serpentine in shape body has a grey to brown background color dotted with small white spots circled with darker brown than its background color. The size of these spots is relatively small at the head and is getting larger toward the tail. One of the characteristic point to identify this moray is the yellow color of its inside mouth. The gills aperture is brown dark.
Distribution & habitat
The starry moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, until Polynesia and Hawaii and from south Japan to New Caledonia.
It lives on the outer slopes of coral reefs, sitting sheltered in crevices between 3.3 and 894.3 feet (1 and 271 meters) deep, but is usually seen at depths of around 99 feet (30 meters).
Biology
The starry moray is solitary and carnivorous, it leaves its lair at night to actively hunt its preys along the reef. It mainly feeds on fishes.
Where to Find
Colors
Habitat and Environment
Benthic
Coral reef
Conservation status
(LC) Least concern
Poisonous
See in SeabookEdible
See in SeabookSocial Behaviour
Solitary
Similar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yellowmouth Moray dangerous?
Yellowmouth Moray is classified as: Yes. Always exercise caution and keep a safe distance.
Where can you find Yellowmouth Moray?
Yellowmouth Moray can be found in: Egypt East, Laccadive Islands, Mariana Islands, Australia West, Saudi Arabia West, Oman North, Malaysia East, Taiwan, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, Somalia East, Vanuatu, Sudan, Eritrea, Australia, Kenya, India, Israel, USA West, Japan South, India West, Israel South, Indo-Pacific West, Oman, Oman East, Somalia North, Australia East, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Polynesia, Tanzania, Malaysia, USA, South Africa, Red Sea, Japan, Indonesia, Chagos Islands, Mozambique, Jordan, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Egypt, Tonga and Samoa, Yemen, Madagascar, Kiribati, Djibouti, Comoros, Fiji, Saudi Arabia, Somalia.
How deep does Yellowmouth Moray live?
Yellowmouth Moray can be found at depths of up to 271 meters.