Green Moray Eel

Common Name: Green Moray Eel
Scientific Name: Gymnothorax prasinus
Family: Muraenidae
Found: QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA
Maximum Length: 1.5 m

Moray eels are distributed globally in tropical and temperate waters. Green Moray Eels are the most commonly sighted moray eel in NSW. They are found in a variety of habitats in shallow and deep waters and in clear and murky waters. Green Morays are inquisitive and may bite so care should be taken in their vicinity.

Green Moray Eels have a green to yellow body colour in NSW. The green colouration comes from algae that live in the skin, particularly noticeable in shallow waters. They are nocturnal and can be seen swimming across the reef at night. During the day they are most likely to be found hanging out of rock crevices for protection from predators while waiting for the chance to ambush prey.

Confusing Species: White-eyed Moray

White-eyed Morays have distinctive large white eyes with small black pupils. They are found across northern Australia south as far as mid NSW.