Vertebrata
Gymnothorax saxicola
(Honeycomb Moray)
1. Out of water (Steve Vives)
2. Out of Water - Ocellated moray, Gymnothorax saxicola, pictured above reticulated moray, Muraena retifera. (Steve Vives)
Size
Maximum size 60cm (2')
Recognition Characters
Long, slender body with large mouth and teeth.
Color
Brown with white spots on the body; has highly visible, seperated black spots on the dorsal and anal fins; distinct black lines around gills.
Habitat & Depth
Common at deeper bays and seagrass beds, seldomly live in reef habitat. 30-300 feet
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare
Geographic Range
New Jersey to Florida and northern Gulf of Mexico
Behavior & Notes
Nocturnal predator; during the day it occupies holes and crevices; commonly seen with open mouth and interpreted as a sign of aggression, however it is necessary for ventilation of the gills.
Synonyms
Ocellated Moray