geometric moray
| Scientific name | Gymnothorax griseus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Lacepède |
| Year of description | 1803 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Muraenidae |
| Genus | Gymnothorax |
Introduction
Gymnothorax griseus, commonly known as the Geometric Moray due to the small black dots that adorn its head, is a marine eel-like fish of the moray eel family that is mainly found in the reefs of the western Indian Ocean.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size50 cm
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Maximum size65 cm
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Longevity30 year
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Mimicryrocky bottoms
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Patternponctuations
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Type
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Average size50 cm
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Maximum size65 cm
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Longevity30 year
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Mimicryrocky bottoms
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Patternponctuations
How to recognize the geometric moray ?
The Geometric Moray has a slender body that is entirely off-white, sometimes greyish, purplish, or pinkish like bare skin, with slight marbling. Its head features very characteristic black dots that resemble a tattoo. Its round eye is white with a black pupil in the center. This coloring allows it to easily blend in with its rocky and sandy surroundings.
Like all moray eels, it breathes through identifiable gill pores on each side of its head.
Sexual dimorphism
There is no marked sexual dimorphism in Gymnothorax griseus.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialYes
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Way of livingnocturnal
The Geometric Moray is a solitary fish that resides alone in crevices of reefs and rocks. It is a species with a rather calm temperament, but does not tolerate disturbance in its hideaway.
As a carnivore, it hunts small fish or crustaceans by lurking with its head protruding from its crevice. And if food in its reach runs out, it does not hesitate to leave its hole to scour the rocks and unearth prey once twilight arrives.
Like the Giant Moray, it has been observed hunting in pairs with the grouper Epinephelus fasciatus.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
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HermaphroditeHermaphroditism
The Geometric Moray is an oviparous fish that reproduces in pairs. All individuals of this species are both male and female, this rare capability is called simultaneous hermaphroditism.
These fish can be more aggressive towards each other during reproduction. When the pair forms, they intertwine at the bottom of the water before spawning. The eggs and larvae are pelagic. It is not uncommon to see multiple young individuals in the same hiding spot.
Harmless species
Gymnothorax griseus poses no particular danger to humans if left undisturbed, but if provoked it can bite vigorously. Therefore, caution should be exercised if encountered during diving or fishing.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The Geometric Moray is abundant in the coral reefs throughout the western Indian Ocean: from the east coast of Africa through the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf.
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature24 - 28 °C
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Depth0 - 40 m
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FlowMedium
Biotope presentation
This moray eel inhabits shallow coral reefs, less than 40m deep. It is found in holes formed by rocks and corals where it uses its camouflage to surprise its prey or to remain discreet in the presence of a larger predator.
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
A new species of Short Brown Unpatterned Moray Eel of the Genus Gymnothorax (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from the Bay of Bengal - DIPANJAN RAY - ANIL MOHAPATRA - DAVID G. SMITH - ZOOTAXA - 2015.
First record of the moray eel Gymnothorax reticularis, Bloch, 1795 in the Mediterranean Sea, with a note on its taxonomy and distribution - NIR STERN - MENACHEM GOREN - ZOOTAXA - 2013.
The Moray Eel Fishery in the Seagrass Beds of Siquijor Island, Central Philippines, with Remarks on Two New Philippine Records of the Genus Gymnothorax - BILLY T. WAGEY - ABNER A. BUCOL - VIVIE KATUUK - International Peer Reviewed Journal - 2015.
A Feeding Association between the Grouper Epinephelus fasciatus and the Moray Eel Gymnothorax griseus - Ilan Karplus - Copeia - 1978. (Vol. 1978, No. 1)
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
