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Family Muraenidae

Moray Eels

Moray eels are numerous in Hawaii, found in holes and under large rocks during the day.  Therefore it is unwise to reach into these areas without looking as they might bite in self-defense.  They usually hunt in the open under cover of night but will during the day if the opportunity arises.  Most genera have large pointed teeth suited for capturing fishes while Echidna and Gymnomuraena have molar-like teeth for crushing shellfish.  Morays have thick leathery skin that envelops the continuous marginal fin and lack pectoral fins.  The tail does not form a stiff point as in Snake Eels.  Morays are rarely eaten since they are likely to cause ciguatera poisoning, a serious neurological condition that can be contracted by eating certain kinds of reef fish.  The generic Hawaiian name is Puhi.

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HAWAII

Gymnothorax eurostus

 

STOUT MORAY

 

Gymnothorax steindachneri

STEINDACHNER'S MORAY  

 

Gymnothorax flavimarginatus

YELLOWMARGINED MORAY

 

Gymnothorax javanicus

GIANT MORAY

Gymnothorax meleagris

WHITEMOUTH MORAY

 

Gymnothorax nudivomer

YELLOWMOUTH MORAY

Gymnothorax albimarginatus

WHITEMARGINED MORAY

 

Gymnothorax melatremus

DWARF MORAY

Gymnothorax undulatus

UNDULATED or GREENHEAD MORAY

 

Gymnothorax rueppellii

YELLOWHEAD MORAY

Gymnothorax pictus

PEPPERED MORAY

 

Gymnothorax gracilicauda

SLENDERTAIL MORAY

Echidna polyzona

BANDED or BARRED MORAY

 

Gymnomuraena zebra

 ZEBRA MORAY

Echidna nebulosa

SNOWFLAKE MORAY

 

Enchelynassa canina

VIPER MORAY

Enchelycore pardalis

DRAGON MORAY

 

Scuticaria tigrina

TIGER MORAY

Scuticaria okinawae

SHORTTAIL SNAKEMORAY

 


INDO-PACIFIC

Rhinomuraena quaesita

RIBBON MORAY

 


EASTERN PACIFIC

Gymnothorax mordax

CALIFORNIA MORAY

 

Muraena argus

PEPPERED MORAY

Muraena lentiginosa

JEWELED MORAY