Moray Eel
Gymnothorax javanicus
Sighting evidence at Weligama Coral Reef, Mirissa
Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC
Giant morays reach well over a metre in length on this reef, using the undercuts of coral boulders as ambush points for fish and crustacean prey at night. By day they hang with jaws open at crevice entrances in a characteristic breathing posture that appears threatening but is entirely respiratory. Cleaner shrimp set up stations at moray dens, and the relationship between the eel's patience and the shrimp's bold grooming is a reliable photographic subject at 6 to 10 metres.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Moray Eel is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.