scubaseason

Giant moray

Gymnothorax javanicus

Sighting evidence at Marigondon Cave, Mactan Island

Giant moray

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.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites