Scientific Name
Muraena helena

Common Name
Mediterranean moray

Biology
A nocturnal and territorial species (Ref. 12382), commonly lurking in holes, and writhing snakelike through crevices, under rocks or corals. Feeds on fish, crabs and squid (Ref. 12382). It seldom attacks unless provoked (Ref. 3256). A gonochoristic species (Ref. 32169). Utilized fresh and eaten broiled, boiled and baked; the skin can be used for leather (Ref. 9987).

Classification

Classified By

Linnaeus, 1758

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Eels and Morays (Anguilliformes)

Family

Moray eels (Muraenidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Atlantic

Distribution

Eastern Atlantic: south of British Isles to Senegal, including the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.

Range

52°N - 13°N, 32°W - 36°E

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

15 m

Depth To - meters

50 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 50 m (Ref. 2683)

Trophic Level

4.18 s.e. 0.61 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

150 cm

Common Length

80.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5005 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (74 of 100)

Resilience

Unknown

Threat To Humans

Traumatogenic (Ref. 4690)

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated