Gymnothorax albimarginatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Whitemargin moray
Gymnothorax albimarginatus
photo by Adams, M.J.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  89 cm TL (male/unsexed); 106 cm TL (female); max.weight: 613.9 g; max.weight: 1,133.2 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 180 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Indonesia to Hawaiian Islands; north to Japan and Taiwan (Ref 90102).
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 184-195. Description: Characterized by light to medium brown color; paler on ventral surface; dark brown fins usually with white margin; sensory pores on side of jaws surrounded by white spots; body depth at gill opening 11-25 in TL; origin of dorsal fin about midway between corner of mouth and gill opening; anus posterior of middle of body; head and trunk combined (preanal length) 1.7-1.8 in TL; single row jaw teeth, well spaced and elongate; median row of three long fangs at front of upper jaw; large anterior teeth of adult serrate basally (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in coastal reef sand slopes. Secretive in reefs during the day. Moves out over sand at night to hunt (Ref. 48635). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Apparently has venomous bite (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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