194 



UNDERWATER GUIDE TO MARINE LIFE 



even killed when unwisely spearing or otherwise tormenting morays. They 

 are especially dangerous if brought into a boat. Rather small morays have 

 been known to strike viciously at men in boats, driving them into the water 

 and leaving the eel in sole possession. Contrary to popular belief, American 

 morays do not have poisonous bites, but the bites are very likely to become 

 infected. 



Morays ambush small fishes and crustaceans from their holes in the reef. 

 They do not like to swim in open water, probably because of larger predators. 

 They are chiefly nocturnal and are much more common on reefs than a first 

 glance would reveal. All one has to do is drop a bit of fish or lobster head near 

 a likely hole and a moray will often appear. Morays can be trained in captivity. 

 One zookeeper had a moray that allowed him to handle it. 



Morays, which are edible, are found on reefs the world over. The species 

 range from 2 inches to over 10 feet in length. 



SPOTTED MORAY: Gyninothorax moringa— Color Plate 1 



Size: Up to 3 feet. 



Distribution: Florida and the West Indies to Brazil. 



Identification: The color varies from almost white to a yellow or greenish- 

 brown ground color. There are prominent dark spots and reticulations. The 

 color may vary to match the environment. 



Habits: This is the most common West Indian moray. It is common in holes 

 and interstices in coral heads or even in harbors about pilings. 



Similar Sfecies: The Californian moray, Gyrnnothorax mordax, has a similar 

 pattern and color. It reaches 5 feet and is found from Point Conception to 

 Cedros Island. 



GREEN MORAY: Gyvinothorax funehris— Color Plate I 



Size: Averages 3 feet. Commonly to 6 feet and may very rarely reach 10 feet. 



Weight: Rarely 30 pounds. 



Distribution: Both coasts of tropical America. Common from Florida to the 

 West Indies. 



Identification: The color is usually a brilliant to brownish green. The coloration 

 is unique, caused by the combination of a blue skin and a yellow mucus. Dark 

 gray or brown individuals may lack the yellow coloring in the mucus. 



Fig. 98. Sea catfish. 



