Common Name: Stout Moray

Distribution: Common in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Widespread tropical Indo-Pacific, eastern Pacific including Easter Island and Chile. In Australia recorded from central Western Australia and from central Queensland to Seal Rocks, and including Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.

Ecological Notes: Found in clear coastal waters near reefs or coral areas. Depth to 74 m.

Additional Notes: Dark purplish brown with small yellow spots becoming more blotchy on the tail. Very shy and hard to approach underwater, often only the head visible. Feeds on crustaceans and fishes. Grows to about 80 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 32.

FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. https://fishbase.ca/summary/Gymnothorax-eurostus.html. Accessed 27/05/18.