COMMON MARINE FISHES 



121 



Figure 92 Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



MORAY 

 Gymnoihorax mordax 



Relationship: The only California member of the moray family, Muraenidae. 

 A number of related species are known, chiefly from warm seas of the Western 

 Hemisphere. 



Distinguishing Characters: The lack of both pectoral and ventral fins; the 

 leathery, scaleless skin ; the dorsal and anal fins reduced to low fleshy ridges ; the 

 well-developed jaws with sharp teeth. Length to about five feet. Color: Dark brown, 

 mottled and spotted with lighter shades ; throat and sometimes belly with dark hori- 

 zontal streaks. 



Distribution: Pt. Conception south into central Lower California, in rocky 

 places. 



Fishing Season: None. Caught incidentally throughout the year. 



Importance: Occasionally sold in very small quantities. It is an extremely 

 ferocious fish and consequently an unwelcome catch. 



Fishing Gear: Accidentally on hook and line and in traps. 



Unauthorized Names: Conger eel, marina, muraena, moray eel. 



