Sharks & Rays | Reptiles & Crustaceans | Reef Fish | Invertebrates | Eels
Tobago Marine Life
EELS
MORAYS (MURAENIDAE)
The morays are a well known group of eels with short muscular bodies, no pectoral fins and often long inward pointing canine teeth. Morays commonly have a single dorsal and anal fin running the length of their bodies with a short caudal fin at the tip of their tail. Typically they are reef dwellers and hide in holes during the day but can be seen out hunting at night.
Spotted Moray (Gymnothorax moringa)
Common on all Tobago reefs the spotted moray is found mostly in holes and crevices. Primarily nocturnal and can frequently be found on night dives out hunting. On several night dives I have witnessed them catching and eating fish using your torch light as a distraction to their prey. Shy and often retreat back into holes when approached.
Reticulate Moray (Muraena retifera)
The reticulate moray is actually more common than the spotted moray, however it is frequently misidentified due to its primary black and white spotted colouring. A greenish to yellow tint may be seen from the occipital region of the head to the dorsal fin, however this is not always evident. The surest way of identification are two tubular nostril extensions which are not found on spotted morays. Not as shy as spotted morays. This one was seen on Flying Reef with two sharknose gobies.
Green Moray (Gymnothorax funebris)
Largest of the morays found in Tobago waters these are island wide. Mostly found in holes but on dive sites such as Cove Ledge or Cathedral is common to find them completely out lying on the sand bed under ledges. These big guys can get over 2m in length and are generally indifferent about divers.
Goldentail Moray (Muraena miliaris)
One of the smaller species of moray, the goldentail is a light brownish to golden colour with very small finer golden yellow spots. Because of its colouring and finer spots it cannot be mistaken for a spotted moray. They are found island wide but although common, not seen in the numbers of the green, spotted and reticulate morays
Chain Moray (Echidna catenata)
The least common of the five morays listed. The chain moray is primarily black with bright yellow broken bands the length of its body. Its markings are similar to an indo pacific seasnake. Larger than the goldentail it can grow to 18 inches.
Sharptail Eel (Myrichthys breviceps)
The sharptail eel is often mistaken as being a seasnake. The long dorsal fin which runs the length of its body and the spot markings (all seasnakes are banded) is an easy way to identify it. Quite common around the island and will often be seen swimming through the reef during daylight.
CONGAR EELS (Congridae)
Garden Eel (Nystactichthys halis)
Conger eels are divided into 20 different families which are further divided into two main groups, one of which is heterocongrinae, burrowing eels. These are commonly known as garden eels. They are island wide and inhabit sand beds close to reef edges. Approach slowly and try exhaling slowly through your nose to reduce bubble noise or they will disappear back down their burrows.
Spotted Snake Eel (Ophichthus ophis)
Snakes eels burrow deep into the sand bed only their head exposed. They can actually grow to over 4 feet in length. You very rarely see them out of their burrows even at night. Mostly found on Caribbean dive sites. This was seen at Mt Irvine Extension.
Sharks & Rays | Reptiles & Crustaceans | Reef Fish | Invertebrates | Eels
