Muraena helena Linnaeus, 1758
Mediterranean moray
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  150 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6,450.0 g; max. reported age: 38 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 801 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: south of British Isles to Senegal, including the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  A nocturnal and territorial species (Ref. 12382), commonly lurking in holes, and writhing snakelike through crevices, under rocks or corals. Feeds on fish, crabs and squid (Ref. 12382). It seldom attacks unless provoked (Ref. 3256). A gonochoristic species (Ref. 32169). Utilized fresh and eaten broiled, boiled and baked; the skin can be used for leather (Ref. 9987).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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