Giant Moray Eel
Gymnothorax javanicus · jim-noh-THOR-aks ja-VAN-ih-kus
nocturnalsolitaryLeast Concern
EdibleUnfriendlyDangerousPoisonous
Superpower
Has a second set of jaws in its throat that lunges forward to drag prey down.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 150 cm, up to 300 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–30 years
- Depth
- 1–50 m
Habitat
Coral reefs and lagoons, hiding in crevices by day.
Diet
Fish, octopus and crustaceans, hunted at night.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 5/10.
How to cook: Eaten in some cuisines, but large ones often carry ciguatera.
Safety
- Dangerous6/10
Powerful bite; will defend its den if a hand reaches in.
- Poisonous5/10
Big giant morays are a known ciguatera risk.
Fun facts
- The giant moray is the largest moray by body mass.
- It has hidden pharyngeal jaws in its throat to pull prey inward.
- It sometimes teams up with groupers to hunt cooperatively.