Scientific Name: Gymnothorax funebris

Description: The green moray eel is characterized by its long, cylindrical body, which lacks scales and is covered in a layer of mucus that gives it a slimy appearance. Despite its name, the coloration of the green moray eel can vary greatly, ranging from shades of green to brown, yellow, or even black. Its body is typically patterned with darker spots or blotches, providing effective camouflage among the rocky crevices and coral reefs where it resides. The green moray eel possesses a large mouth lined with rows of sharp teeth, which it uses to grasp and consume its prey. Its dorsal fin extends along the length of its body. Adult green moray eels can grow to impressive lengths, reaching up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) or more.

Habitat: The green moray eel inhabits a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and mangrove forests, primarily in tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, but it can also venture into deeper offshore habitats. Green moray eels prefer areas with ample hiding spots, such as caves, crevices, and shipwrecks, where they can conceal themselves during the day and ambush prey under the cover of darkness.

Behavior: When encountered by divers, green moray eels often display a combination of curiosity and caution. These shy and reclusive creatures are generally wary of human presence and may retreat into their hiding spots if approached too closely or suddenly. However, with patience and gentle movements, divers may be able to observe green moray eels as they cautiously emerge from their shelters to investigate their surroundings or search for prey. While green moray eels are not aggressive towards divers, they possess a formidable bite and may defend themselves if they feel threatened or cornered.