© Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia Full citation Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia: Volume 1 - Bony and Cartilaginous Fishes. Report for the South Australian Working Group for Marine Species of Conservation Concern. J. Baker (consultant); Science and Conservation Division, and Coast and Marine Conservation branches of S.A. Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH); Marine and Coastal Community Network of S.A. (MCCN), and Threatened Species Network (TSN). Web version published by Reef Watch, South Australia.

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MURAENIDAE: MORAY EELS

© John Lewis

Globally, there are around 15 genera and almost 200 named species in the Muraenidae, distributed throughout tropical and temperate seas (Froese and Pauly, 2008). The moray family comprises a diverse group of scaleless eels with large mouths and numerous teeth; often having fang-like teeth (Nelson, 1994, cited in Froese and Pauly, 2008). The morays are distinguished from other eels by having a large powerful body, no pectoral fins, and a reduced lateral line (Castle, in Gomon et al., 1994). Some species attain a large size (e.g. up to 3m). Adult moray eels are usually benthic, generally in shallow water among rocks and coral; many species are nocturnally active, and hide in holes and crevices during the day (Nelson, 1994, cited in Froese and Pauly, 2008). Morays feed mainly on crustaceans, cephalopods and small fishes, but other benthic foods are also taken. Hermaphroditism has been recorded in the family (Fishelson, 1992). The larvae (leptocephali) are epipelagic, widespread and abundant, and easily recognised by their robust bodies and rounded tails (Castle, in Gomon et al., 1994; Nelson, 1994, cited in Froese and Pauly, 2008).
The genus Gymnothorax contains an estimated 120 species worldwide, with more than 40 species now known in Australia (Böhlke and McCosker, 2001; CSIRO, 2007). Several species from that genus occur along the south coast of Australia, including Speckled Moray Gymnothorax obesus, from Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand; the Southern Moray G. austrinus, known to date from Victoria (and based on a single specimen collected in Port Phillip Bay in1884); G. woodwardi, from W.A., and the Green Moray G. prasinus, which has a disjunct distribution in southern Australia, and is discussed below, due to its uncommonness in South Australia.

Associated taxa

Green Moray / Yellow Moray

Gymnothorax prasinus (Richardson, 1848)