Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Genus
- Muraena
- Species
- clepsydra
Habitat
Hourglass Morays inhabit rocky and coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters, where they seek shelter in crevices, under ledges, or among boulders. They prefer warmer tropical and subtropical waters, commonly found in areas like the Gulf of California, Galapagos Islands, and along the coasts of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Peru. These environments provide ample hiding spots and abundant prey.
Diet
Hourglass Morays primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, and occasionally cephalopods like octopuses. They are ambush predators that lie in wait in crevices and strike quickly with their powerful jaws, often hunting at night when they are most active. Feeding behavior includes swallowing prey whole due to their lack of grinding teeth.
Behavior
Hourglass Morays are solitary and territorial, often claiming specific crevices or reef areas as their own and defending them aggressively if approached. They are primarily nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in reef structures and emerging at night to hunt. These eels can be curious and may approach divers but will retreat if threatened, and they exhibit a distinctive undulating swim pattern.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.