Laced moray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laced moray |
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The laced moray (Gymnothorax favagineus), also known as the leopard moray, tessellate moray or honeycomb moray, is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae.
Description
Gymnothorax favagineus is a large moray which can reach a maximum length of 300 cm, but specimens usually encountered are much smaller. Its serpentine in shape body has a white to yellowish background color dotted with numerous black spots which latter vary in size and shape depending on the individual and on the environment in which the animals live. Therefore, morays living on a reef with clear water will have less black spots than those of a turbid environment. It is from this characteristic color pattern that ensue its vernacular names.
Distribution and habitat
The laced moray is widespread throughout the Indo-West Pacific area from eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, until Papua New Guinea and from south Japan to the Great Barrier Reef.
It lives on the outer slopes of coral reefs. During the day, it sits sheltered in crevices between 3.3 and 148.5 feet (1 and 45 meters) deep.
Biology
The laced moray is carnivorous. It leaves its lair at night to actively hunt its prey along the reef. It feeds mainly on small fish and cephalopods. Large adults are prone to be aggressive in the wild.
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2006). "Gymnothorax favagineus" in FishBase. April 2006 version.
See also
In Spanish: Gymnothorax favagineus para niños
