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Dragon moray (Enchelycore pardalis) — Muraenidae

Dragon moray

Enchelycore pardalis
Family: Muraenidae

The Dragon moray (Enchelycore pardalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 92 cm.

Length
92 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–60.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Dragon moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 92 cm and has a robust, snake-shaped, scaleless body with conspicuously curved jaws that do not fully close, leaving the long, glass-sharp fangs exposed. The body bears a striking pattern of orange, red, white and black, with conspicuous nasal tubes and horns above the eyes. As a secretive reef predator it hides in crevices by day and seizes fish and squid at night. It bites fiercely and the sharp teeth inflict deep wounds; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dragon moray?

The Dragon moray has a snake-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Dragon moray live?

The Dragon moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Dragon moray get?

The Dragon moray grows to a maximum of about 92 cm.

Is the Dragon moray dangerous to humans?

The Dragon moray can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Dragon moray edible?

Yes, the Dragon moray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drakenmurene sourced
English name
Dragon moray sourced
Scientific name
Enchelycore pardalis
Family
Muraenidae
Other names
Dragon moray; Dragon moray eel verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
92.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Enchelycore

More from the family Muraenidae

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