What is undulated moray?

The undulated moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) is a species of fish that belongs to the family Muraenidae. It is commonly found in shallow waters of coral reefs and rocky areas in the Indo-Pacific region, including the coasts of Africa, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the western Indian Ocean.

Undulated morays have a distinct pattern of dark brown or black spots and wavy lines along their light-colored body. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh up to 4 kilograms. Unlike many other species of moray eels, undulated morays have small teeth and are not known to be dangerous to humans.

These eels are primarily nocturnal and prey on fish, crabs, and other small marine animals. They are often found hiding in crevices or under rocks during the day and emerge at night to hunt. Undulated morays are also known to engage in a symbiotic relationship with cleaner shrimp, allowing the shrimp to remove parasites and debris from their skin.

Undulated morays are not targeted for fishing commercially but are sometimes caught as bycatch or for aquarium trade. However, due to their wide distribution and relatively stable populations, they are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).