The Green Moray Eel (Gymnothorax funebris) is a moray eel of the family Muraenidae found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest moray species of the tropical Atlantic and one of the largest species of moray eel known.

Distribution and Habitat

The Green Moray Eel is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Long Island, New York, Bermuda, and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. It is found at depths down to 40 meters. It appears to be mostly nocturnal.

Physical Description

The Green Moray Eel can reach a length of up to 2.5 meters (8.2 ft). Despite its name the green moray is actually brown. The green color comes from a yellow mucous layer over its dark brown skin. The combination of yellow mucus and brown skin creates the green appearance.

Diet and Feeding

The Green Moray Eel is carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. In captivity it accepts a varied diet including frozen silversides, shrimp, squid, and other meaty foods.

Behavior and Reproduction

Green morays appear to be mostly nocturnal. Most eels have a home range averaging 5.8 hectares. Some eels emigrate towards offshore reefs and rocky submarine canyons. Moray eels have pharyngeal jaws, a second set of jaws located in the throat.

Aquarium Care

Due to its large adult size the Green Moray Eel requires a very large tank of at least 200 gallons with a tight-fitting lid. It needs abundant live rock with large crevices and caves. It is aggressive and should be kept only with large tankmates. It is not considered reef-safe as it will eat small fish and invertebrates.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.