Scientific Name: Gymnothorax miliaris

Description: The golden moray eel displays a striking appearance characterized by its long, snake-like body and vibrant golden-yellow coloration. It has a cylindrical shape with a small head and a mouth filled with sharp teeth. The eyes are relatively small and often have a dark outline, giving them a piercing appearance. Like other moray eels, the golden moray lacks pectoral fins, but it has a dorsal fin that runs along the length of its body, merging with the anal fin near the tail. Despite its fearsome appearance, the golden moray eel is generally shy and reclusive, preferring to hide in crevices or among rocks during the day and venturing out to hunt at night.

Habitat: The golden moray eel inhabits coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and other marine habitats in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, ranging from intertidal zones to depths of around 100 meters (330 feet) or more. Golden moray eels prefer areas with ample hiding spots, such as caves, crevices, and shipwrecks, where they can conceal themselves from predators and ambush prey.

Behavior: Golden moray eels are carnivorous predators that primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Despite their fearsome reputation, golden moray eels are not aggressive towards humans and typically avoid confrontations unless provoked.