Family: Muraenidae, Morays view all from this family

Description To 5' (1.5 m). Elongate, eel-like; brown to green-brown. Mouth large, teeth strong, gill openings small, round; back of head elevated. Pectoral fins absent. Skin thick, scaleless.

Warning Capable of inflicting deep wounds when disturbed, large morays are dangerous in or out of water. California Morays may bite divers, but they usually are not aggressive unless harassed.

Similar Species Pacific Snake Eel (Ophichthus triserialis) has pectoral fins; dark spots on body; occurs over soft bottoms from Humboldt Bay, California, to Peru.

Habitat Shallow, rocky reefs with crevices and caves to 22 fathoms.

Range From Pt. Conception, California, to Bahia Magdalena, Baja California.

Discussion The only moray found north of Baja California, the California Moray eats crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and various fishes. Females deposit eggs that develop into leptocephalus larvae.