Giant moray
Gymnothorax javanicus
Sighting evidence at Marigondon Cave, Mactan Island

Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC
Giant morays are resident in crevices on the Marigondon wall from 15 m down to the cave zone, with large individuals reaching 2.5 m and occupying the same lair for months or years. They are cooperative hunters — documented working with Napoleon wrasse to flush fish from reef crevices — and their rhythmic jaw-pumping is a respiratory mechanism, not a threat display. The cave wall's sponge and coral coverage provides abundant shelter sites and prey. Most reliably seen at dusk when they become active, but resting individuals are visible on virtually every daytime dive.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Giant moray is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.