Mediterranean moray (Muraena helena)

Scientific name: Muraena helena Linnaeus, 1758

The Mediterranean moray (Muraena helena) is a marine fish of the family Muraenidae. Native range: Eastern Atlantic, south of British Isles to Senegal, including the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.

Biology

A nocturnal and territorial species, commonly lurking in holes, and writhing snakelike through crevices, under rocks or corals. Feeds on fish, crabs and squid. It seldom attacks unless provoked. A gonochoristic species. Utilized fresh and eaten broiled, boiled and baked; the skin can be used for leather.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Muraena helena
Family: Muraenidae (Moray eels)
Order: Anguilliformes (Eels and Morays)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 150
Common length: 80.0
Depth range: 15–50 m (49–164 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 50 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: south of British Isles to Senegal, including the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Traumatogenic
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums