The giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) is in terms of body mass the largest of the moray eel species, from the family Muraenidae.
General Description
As the name suggests, this is a large eel, reaching up to 3 metres in length and 30 kilograms in weight. While juveniles are tan in colour with large black spots, adults have black specks that grade into leopard-like spots behind the head and a black area surrounding the gill opening, there is a greenish base colour with dark speckling, and a more pale area around the face. In some species, the inside of the mouth is also patterned.
The body is long and heavy set but despite this is very flexible and moves with ease.
The dorsal fin extends from just behind the head along the back and joins seamlessly with the caudal and anal fins. Most species lack pectoral and pelvic fins, adding to their serpentine appearance. Their eyes are rather small so giant moray eels tend to rely on their highly developed sense of smell, lying in wait to ambush their prey.
Where to find the Giant Moray Eel
Giant moray eels are found worldwide in tropical and temperate seas, particularly in relatively shallow water among reefs and rocks, in lagoons and seaward reefs, as well as in estuarine areas.
This immense moray hides in reef interstices, under ledges and in caves on reef walls and they live at depths of up to several hundred metres.
We encounter Giant Morays on many of our trips, but they are particularly common on dives done form our Similan Liveaboard trips
Similan Diving is Wicked Diving!
No comments:
Post a Comment