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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Subtropical

Mediterranean moray

Muraena helena Linnaeus, 1758
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Muraena Helena (Muraena helena)
Muraena Helena (Muraena helena)
Max Length
150 cm
Max Weight
6.5 kg
Lifespan
38 yrs
Trophic Level
4.2
Depth
1–801 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
79.00/100
Typical Length
80 cm
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

A nocturnal and territorial species , commonly lurking in holes, and writhing snakelike through crevices, under rocks or corals . Feeds on fish, crabs and squid . It seldom attacks unless provoked . A gonochoristic species . Utilized fresh and eaten broiled, boiled and baked; the skin can be used for leather .

Scientific Name
Muraena helena
Authority
Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
150 cm
Max Weight
6.5 kg
Lifespan
38 years
Depth Range
1–801 m
Trophic Level
4.2
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
79.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Teleostei
Teleostei
Order
Anguilliformes
Anguilliformes
Family
Muraenidae
Muraenidae
Genus
Muraena
Muraena
Species
Mediterranean moray
Muraena helena

🐟 Physical Description

: eel-like.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Mediterranean moray is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

Size at Maturity
75.5cm TL

Migrate to offshore waters to spawn .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 801 m , usually 100 - 300 m . Subtropical; 52°N - 13°N, 32°W - 36°E

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
4.2±0.61
🌙 Nocturnal
Food Items

fish, crabs and squid (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00055 × L3.27 (TL)
Max TL
150cm
Max Weight
6,500g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Very low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
79.00/100
Very High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.2
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Linnaeus, 1758

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Gymnothorax muraena Bloch & Schneider 1801 Synonym
Limamuraena guttata Risso 1827 Synonym
Limmamuraena guttata Risso 1827 Synonym
Muraena australiae Richardson 1848 Synonym
Muraena bettencourti Osório 1911 Synonym
Muraena guttata Risso 1827 Heterotypic
Muraena helaena Linnaeus 1758 Synonym
Muraena helena australiae Richardson 1848 Synonym
Muraena punctata Rafinesque 1810 Synonym
Muraena romana Shaw 1803 Synonym
Muraena variegata Rafinesque 1810 Synonym
Muraena vorax Ogilby 1907 Synonym
Muraenophis bettencourti Osório 1911 Synonym
Muraenophis fulva Risso 1810 Synonym
Muraenophis helena Linnaeus 1758 Synonym
Murena guttata Risso 1827 Synonym
Murena punctata Rafinesque 1810 Synonym
Murena variegata Rafinesque 1810 Synonym
Murenophis bettencourti Osório 1911 Synonym
Thyrsoidea atlantica Johnson 1862 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 17 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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