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Fimbriated Moray

Gymnothorax fimbriatus
Fimbriated moray eel in Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia underwater

Fimbriated Moray

Gymnothorax fimbriatus
Other Common Names
Darkspotted Moray, Spot-face Moray
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Darkspotted Moray, Spot-face Moray

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The fimbriated moray is grey to tan in color with scattered black spots on its head and body. The pattern of the spots and their shape varies from individual to individual.

Habitat

Lagoons, reef flats and seaward reefs. Found at depths of 7 to 50 m.

Diet

Fishes and crustaceans.

Life History

Like other moray eels, fimbriated morays reproduce with the female releasing eggs into the water and the male fertilizing them. Once hatched, fimbriated morays undergo a lengthy pelagic larval stage where they drift with ocean currents. These larvae are called leptocephalus.

Eventually fimbriated morays settle in coral reef habitats, preferring the protection of inshore waters among dead corals and small caves.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Fimbriated morays are important predators in coral reef ecosystems, as they help control a variety of prey populations.
Range
Throughout the Indo-Pacific from Madagascar to French Polynesia, north to southern Japan, and south to Queensland, Australia.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
Like some other moray eels, the fimbriated moray has needle-sharp teeth which has given them a reputation of being dangerous. However, they are just misunderstood! Moray eels are typically shy and reclusive, in most cases they only attack when provoked.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Smith, D.G., J. McCosker and K. Tighe. 2019. Gymnothorax fimbriatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019.
  • Myers, R. F. 1991. Micronesian reef fishes : a practical guide to the identification of the coral reef fishes of the tropical central and western Pacific (2nd ed.). Coral Graphics.
  • Randall, J. E., G.R. Allen, and R.C. Steene. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press.
  • Allen, G. R., and Western Australian Museum. 2009. Field guide to marine fishes of tropical Australia and South-East Asia (4th ed.). Western Australian Museum.
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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