Fish
Leopard Moray Eel
Gymnothorax undulatus
A slender, wavy-patterned moray of KZN and tropical reefs, hunting the crevices by night with sharp teeth.
Also known as eel leopard moray, leopard moray, undulate moray, undulated moray
- Typical size
- Commonly 60-120 cm
- Habitat
- Reef crevices and ledges
- Depth
- Shallow reef to about 30 m
The leopard or undulated moray has a snake-like body patterned with fine yellowish, wavy lines over a dark green to brown background, and a paler head. It hides by day in reef holes and ledges along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and warmer subtropical reefs, showing only its head and constantly gaping jaws as it breathes.
An active nocturnal hunter, it takes fish, octopus and crustaceans, and can tie its body in knots for leverage against prey. The gaping mouth is defensive, not aggressive, but its needle teeth can inflict a serious bite, so divers should never poke into holes or offer a hand.