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Polygon moray (Gymnothorax polygonius) — Muraenidae

Polygon moray

Gymnothorax polygonius
Family: Muraenidae

The Polygon moray (Gymnothorax polygonius) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 98 cm.

Length
98 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–256.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Polygon moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from the Atlantic Ocean. The species grows to about 98 cm and has a robust, snake-shaped, scaleless body. The body bears a network of pale, polygonal blotches. As a secretive reef predator it hides in crevices of coral and rocky reefs by day and seizes fish, crustaceans and squid at night. It bites fiercely when disturbed; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Polygon moray?

The Polygon moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Polygon moray live?

The Polygon moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Polygon moray get?

The Polygon moray grows to a maximum of about 98 cm.

Is the Polygon moray dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Polygon moray edible?

Yes, the Polygon moray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Veelhoek-murene sourced
English name
Polygon moray sourced
Scientific name
Gymnothorax polygonius
Family
Muraenidae
Other names
Polygon moray; Reticulated moray eel verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
98.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
256.0 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
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Gymnothorax

More from the family Muraenidae

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