AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Gymnothorax flavimarginatus
Yellow-edged Moray
(Rüppell, 1830)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large and powerful moray eel characterized by a mottled brown and yellow pattern. It is named for the distinctive thin yellow margin visible on its fins.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Anguilliformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Muraenidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Gymnothorax
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Rüppell, 1830)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Typically inhabits coral reef environments, ranging from shallow lagoons to outer reef slopes, often found in crevices between 5 and 150 meters deep.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily nocturnal, but often seen with its head poking out of a hole during the day. An ambush predator that stays partially hidden in the reef.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and territorial, individuals rarely tolerate other morays of the same species within their immediate vicinity.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal ambush carnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Opportunistic carnivore feeding on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Considered a significant predator within its range.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Broadcast spawner, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
50.0 - 240.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.00 kg - 20.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5000 - 30000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 6 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
--
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 20 Years
Females5 - 20 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly developed sense of smell allows it to hunt efficiently in complex reef structures where visual detection is difficult.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by coral reef degradation, overfishing of prey species, and habitat loss due to climate change.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
One of the most aggressive moray eels; they are known to defend their territories fiercely and can inflict severe bites if provoked.