Latticetail Moray

Gymnothorax buroensis

The Latticetail Moray is a moray eel that inhabits coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and as far east as the Tuamoto Islands. Divers may also encounter this species around the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands, extending south to Australia. It is typically found in shallow lagoon and seaward reefs, particularly in the surge zone, where it lives between rocks and corals. This eel is adapted to both marine and brackish environments and is most commonly found at depths ranging from 0 to 25 meters. The Latticetail Moray can grow up to 38.7 cm in length. Its body is dark brown with irregular dark spots towards the front, which are interspersed with lighter granulations forming diffuse crossbars on the tail. This distinctive pattern helps differentiate it from other moray eels. Despite its somewhat intimidating appearance, it is harmless to humans. The IUCN has categorized the Latticetail Moray as Least Concern. Divers observing this species will find it to be a solitary and cryptic creature, often seen peeking out from crevices or holes in the reef.