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.

Koloa Landing, Kaua'i, 40 feet

Waikiki Aquarium

Ft. Kamehameha, Oahu, 4 feet

Ft. Kamehameha, Oahu, 4 feet

Ft. Kamehameha, Oahu, 4 feet

Fairly common on shallow reefs with sand pockets.  Has molar-like teeth for eating crabs.  Often seen exposed during the day.  Attains 28 inches.

Ala Moana, Oahu, 3 feet

Locally common on shallow reef flats.  Has molar-like teeth for eating crabs.  Color varies from banded to dark brown.  Attains 2 feet.

Outer Reef, Sandy Beach, Oahu, 50 feet

Rare at scuba depths.  Dark brown with strongly curved jaws, large teeth and nostrils.  Quite shy when observed during rest.  Attains 5 feet.

Angel Ledge, Midway Atoll, 80 feet

Angel Ledge, Midway Atoll, 80 feet

Cargo Pier, Midway Atoll, 30 feet

Midway Harbor, 10 feet

Angel Ledge, Midway Atoll, 80 feet

Yawatano, Japan, 50 feet

Kona, Hawaii

Rare on coral reefs around the main Hawaiian Islands but common at Midway and Japan.  Strongly curved jaws and long tubular nostrils.  Attains 3 feet.  Probably rare because it is popular for aquariums.

Waikiki Aquarium

Waikiki Aquarium

Makapu'u, Oahu, 8 feet

Makapu'u, Oahu, 8 feet

Uncommon on shallow reefs with sandy pockets.  Has molar-like teeth for eating crabs.  A shy species that attains 4 feet.

Outer Fish Hole, Midway Atoll, 60 feet

Angel Ledge, Midway Atoll, 80 feet

Water Barge, Midway Atoll, 15 feet

Rare at scuba depths but not uncommon at Midway.  Tan with white fin margin, mouth, and dimples.  Teeth are finely serrated and bite contains a venom.  Attains 40 inches.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Kaupulehu, Hawaii, 6 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Rare except the island of Hawaii in shallow water near shore.  Robust body and blunt head, white with irregular black spots.  Known to attack crabs above the water's surface.  Attains 3 feet.  Formerly known as Siderea picta.

Macaw wreck, Midway Atoll, 40 feet

Kaupo Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Kaupo Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Kaupo Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Kaupo Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Kaupo Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

Endemic to Hawaii.  Only common in the far Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on shallow reefs.  Cream with irregular brown markings and stripes on the throat, white fin margin.  Attains 3 feet.

Angel Ledge, Midway Atoll, 80 feet

Corsair, Midway Atoll, 115 feet

Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 3 feet

Blowhole, Oahu, 25 feet

Blowhole, Oahu, 25 feet

Blowhole, Oahu, 25 feet

Blowhole, Oahu, 25 feet

Blowhole, Oahu, 25 feet

Typical color pattern, Maui

Portlock, Oahu, 45 feet

Kewalo, Oahu, Hawaii, 30 feet

Baby Barge, Oahu

100 ft. Hole, Waikiki, Oahu, 80 feet

100 ft. Hole, Waikiki, Oahu, 80 feet

100 ft. Hole, Waikiki, Oahu, 80 feet

Sea Cave, Oahu, 85 feet

San Pedro wreck, Waikiki, Oahu, 80 feet

Common at all depths on rocky reefs.  Has short snout and the jaws are straight.  Thick yellowish body with brown spots, dark spot at gill opening.  Fin margin appears green underwater and orange above.  Attains at least 4 feet.

Wakatobi, Indonesia, 65 feet

Rare in Hawaii at scuba depths on rocky reefs.  Has short snout and the jaws are straight.  Thick greenish brown body with rectangular black spots, dark spot at gill opening.  Attains 8 feet.  Common in other parts of the Indo-Pacific.

Makaha, Oahu, 25 feet

Rare at scuba depths.  Tapering head with straight jaws.  Body yellow above and white below with flame-like brown saddles.  About 1 foot long.

Sharks Cove, Oahu, 25 feet

Sharkfin, Lana'i, 60 feet

Common at scuba depths along ledges.  Small but head is blunt, body cream to rusty brown, dark bar through the eye.  Attains 10 inches.

Manana Island, Oahu, 30 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 30 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 25 feet

Sharks Cove, Oahu, 25 feet

Kewalo Hump, Oahu, 85 feet

Common on coral reefs at scuba depths.  Often seen exposed during the day.  Tapering head with straight jaws, mouth is white.  Body light to dark brown with rounded spots overall but size varies among individuals.  Attains 40 inches.

Airplane, Pokai Bay, Oahu, 100 feet

Rare in deep water.  Thick body and blunt head with straight jaws, mouth is yellow.  Body brown with small irregular spots overall.  Attains 40 inches.

Sand Island, Oahu, 25 feet

Sharks Cove, Oahu

Uncommon at scuba depths.  Tapered head with slightly curved jaws, shorter than G. undulatus.  Gray with wide brown bars (fading in large adults) and yellowish head.  A cautious species that keeps mouth agape when disturbed.  Attains 3 feet.

Phoenix, Midway Atoll, 50 feet

Midway Harbor, 10 feet

Kahuwai Bay, Hawaii, 25 feet

Sharks Cove, Oahu, 25 feet

Moku O Loe, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 3 feet

YO-257 Wreck, Oahu, 95 feet

San Pedro wreck, Waikiki, Oahu, 70 feet

San Pedro wreck, Waikiki, Oahu, 70 feet

San Pedro wreck, Waikiki, Oahu, 70 feet

San Pedro wreck, Waikiki, Oahu, 70 feet

Common in a variety of habitats.  Tapered head with slightly curved jaws.  Brown with white marbling and greenish head.  An aggressive species that may attack.  Attains 4 feet.

Mokuleia Bay, Maui, 25 feet

Rock Quarry, Catalina Island, California, 10 feet

Hen Rock, Catalina Island, California, 20 feet

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, 60 feet

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, 60 feet

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