Giant Moray

Gymnothorax javanicus 

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-Pacific Ocean 

Diet : Lionfish, reef fish, crustaceans 

Size: 3 m 

Lifespan : 10-30 years

Description

As its name suggests, they are very large eels. Its elongated body is brownish in color. While juveniles are tan in color with large black spots, adults have black specks that grade into leopard-like spots behind the head  

Behavior

It is known to engage in cooperative hunting with the roving coral grouper. These two fish species are complementary hunters: While the eel hunts in the reef, it may scare prey up and out of the reef, leaving them to be eaten by the grouper. Similarly, the grouper hunting above the reef may cause prey to attempt to seek refuge in the reef, where the moray may ambush them. 

Reproduction

Giant moray eels reproduce via external fertilization, spawning hundreds of thousands of eggs in open water, usually during warmer months. 

Communication & Perception

primarily through visual cues and actions during cross-species hunting, rather than using sound. They have a sophisticated, cooperative relationship with certain grouper species, acting as a passive partner that responds to, rather than initiates, communication 

Predator(s)

Shark, Baraccuda