MORAY EELS
MURAENIDAE
Goldentail Moray Eel
Gymnothorax miliaris
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
Be, Co, R 70 Pisc, Cru I F
 
 
Description:
Stout moray with a short blunt snout. Body long and snake-like, without pectoral or ventral fins; dorsal, tail and anal fins form a single, long, continuous fin that begins behind the head, encircles the tail and extends midway down the belly. Body scale-less and coated with a clear, protective mucus layer.
Body in shades of brown with
small yellow spots. The size of the spots can vary considerably between individuals and might even reverse, with a yellow ground color and brown spots or form a net like-pattern. Tip of tail yellow to gold. Eyes with a ring of yellow around the pupils.

Ecology
This benthic species prefers shallow to mid-range coral reefs, down to 15 meters. Hide during the day in recesses; heads often extend from openings. Forage in open at night. Constantly open and close mouth in order to move water through their gills for respiration.  It is active during the day and sometimes hunts together with other predators.

Life Cycle
Like other species of moray eels, the chain moray is oviparous, meaning it produces eggs. The eggs and larvae are pelagic, unlike the adult moray, meaning they are able to be dispersed long distances away from the parent and benthic regions. Can exist almost at the surface in some instances .
Goldentail Moray Eel
141
142
Goldentail Moray Eel
175
Goldentail Moray Eel