Chestnut moray (Gymnothorax castaneus)

Scientific name: Gymnothorax castaneus Jordan & Gilbert, 1883

Chestnut moray (Gymnothorax castaneus)

The Chestnut moray (Gymnothorax castaneus) is a marine fish of the family Muraenidae. Native range: Eastern Pacific, Gulf of California to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.

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. 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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Gymnothorax castaneus
Family
Muraenidae (Moray eels)
Order
Anguilliformes (Eels and Morays)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
150
Depth range
3–36 m (10–118 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 36 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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