Fin's Fish Guide
The Dark moray (Gymnothorax afer) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin and others
Description
The dark moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from the eastern Atlantic, off West Africa, and adjacent brackish water. The species grows to about 1 metre and has an elongate, snake-shaped, scaleless, uniformly dark-brown body. As a nocturnal predator it hides by day in crevices and holes, with only the head showing, and seizes fish and crustaceans at night. It bites fiercely when disturbed; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dark moray?
The Dark moray has a snake-like body and is mainly brown. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Dark moray live?
The Dark moray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin and others
How big does the Dark moray get?
The Dark moray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Dark moray dangerous to humans?
The Dark moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Do not feed or reach into crevices. For a bite: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Moray bites are deep and prone to infection: always have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Dark moray edible?
Yes, the Dark moray is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnothorax
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Dark moray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dark moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone