Gymnothorax mordax (Ayres, 1859)
California moray
Gymnothorax mordax
photo by Gotshall, D.W.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  152 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 30 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Point Conception in California, USA to southern Baja California in Mexico. Also known from the Galapagos Islands (Ref. 35581).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Vertebrae: 146-154
Biology:  Found common among rocks; lives in crevices or holes, usually with only head protruding. Very common in shallow reef areas (Ref. 35581). Feed mostly at night on crustaceans, octopuses and small fishes. Long-lived. Pelagic spawners (Ref. 56049).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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