Chestnut moray (Gymnothorax castaneus) fish species and information / pictures of Chestnut moray - Gymnothorax castaneus

Chestnut moray (Gymnothorax castaneus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Gymnothorax castaneus

Common Name
Chestnut moray

Biology
Lives in rocky, boulder strewn areas and walls. Lurks in holes, crevices and dark recesses during day; forage in the open at night. Constantly opens and closes its mouth--an action required for respiration, not a threat (Ref. 5227). May occasionally wander into open sandy areas about 10-20 m from cover. Feeds mainly on crustaceans and fishes and are highly responsive to stimuli emanating from wounded or distressed prey at distances exceeding 20 m (Ref. 28023).

Classification

Classified By
Jordan & Gilbert, 1883
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Eels and Morays (Anguilliformes)
Family
Moray eels (Muraenidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.
Range
32°N - 2°N

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
3 m
Depth To - meters
36 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 36 m (Ref. 5227)
Trophic Level
4.03 s.e. 0.67 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
150 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Unknown
Vulnerability
High to very high vulnerability (68 of 100)
Resilience
Unknown
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)