Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Genus
- Gymnothorax
- Species
- funebris
Habitat
Green morays inhabit coral reefs, rocky crevices, and mangrove areas in tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic, from the southeastern United States to Brazil. They prefer shallow to moderately deep waters, typically 3 to 30 meters, where they can hide in underwater structures for protection and ambush prey. These environments provide ample cover and a steady food supply.
Diet
Green morays primarily eat fish, octopuses, crabs, and shrimp, using their sharp teeth to capture and swallow prey whole. They are ambush predators that hunt at night, relying on their excellent sense of smell to detect food in dark reef environments. Feeding occurs mainly in crevices or near coral structures where they lie in wait.
Behavior
Green morays are solitary and territorial, often remaining hidden in reef crevices during the day and becoming active hunters at night. They exhibit aggressive behavior when threatened, potentially biting intruders, and use their muscular bodies to navigate through tight spaces. These eels are generally reclusive but can be curious around divers if not disturbed.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.