description Yellowmargin moray Overview
Gymnothorax flavimarginatus, known as the yellowmargin moray or yellow-edged moray, is a large moray eel found in the tropical Indo-Pacific. Its name refers to the yellow margins along parts of its fins, which contrast with the darker body. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky reef environments, where it shelters in crevices and hunts fish and other marine animals. Adults can exceed one metre in total length.
help Yellowmargin moray FAQ
How big do yellowmargin moray eels get?
Gymnothorax flavimarginatus is one of the larger moray species, commonly seen at around a meter with big adults approaching two meters or more. Divers usually notice them first by their gaping mouths from reef crevices.
Are yellowmargin morays poisonous to eat?
They have been implicated in ciguatera fish poisoning, the toxin accumulation common in large reef predators. Because of that risk they are generally avoided as food across their range.
Why is Gymnothorax flavimarginatus called the yellowmargin moray?
The name refers to the yellow coloring on the margins of its fins, especially along the tail and dorsal fin, which contrasts with the dark brownish-green body. The yellow edging is the field mark divers use to identify it.
Where do divers usually see yellowmargin morays?
Across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa through to Hawaii and Polynesia. They shelter in coral and rocky reef holes and are often spotted at cleaning stations being serviced by cleaner wrasses.
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