The California moray (Gymnothorax mordax) is a moray eel of the family Muraenidae, found in the eastern Pacific from just north of Santa Barbara to Santa Maria Bay in Baja California. They are the only species of moray eel found off California, and one of the few examples of a subtropical moray. They typically occupy boulder or cobble habitats up to 40 m (130 ft) in depth. They can attain lengths of about 5 ft (1.52 m) and are believed to live for upwards of 22–26 years. Like other morays, they have no pelvic or pectoral fins or gill covers.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of California Moray being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus
- Muraena helena
- Gymnothorax unicolor
- Muraena clepsydra
- Muraena augusti
- Echidna nocturna
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Anguilliformes
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Genus
- Gymnothorax
- Species
- Gymnothorax mordax
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