Abbott’s Eel

Abbott’s Eel (Gymnothorax eurostus)

Abbott’s Moray Eel, scientifically known as Gymnothorax eurostus, is a fascinating species characterized by its brown skin adorned with yellow and black spots. Native to the eastern Pacific, it ranges from Costa Rica to Easter Island and is a member of the Muraenidae family. This eel is typically found in shallow, inshore waters, inhabiting coral reefs at depths of up to 40 meters. While most common in the Indo-Pacific, particularly along the eastern, northern, and western coasts of Australia, its presence has also been recorded in places like Chile, Seychelles, and the Solitary Islands. The eel’s natural habitat is the marine biome, favoring shallow, rocky, and grassy areas of coral reefs over more turbid regions, such as sea harbors. Abbott’s Moray Eel has dark purplish-brown skin covered in black or brown spots, which become sparser toward the tail. It is easily recognized by its small, bright red eyes, wide jaws filled with sharp teeth, and serpentine body that lacks pectoral and pelvic fins. A nocturnal hunter, Abbott’s Moray Eel relies heavily on its acute sense of smell to locate prey in the dark.