The chain moray eel is a small moray eel compared to most of its relatives ! It typically grows to about 28 inches in length. The chain moray eel has an elongated, snake-like body that is laterally compressed.

The chain moray eel is distinguished by its yellow marbled head ! These yellow marbled markings extend along its dark-colored body.

The chain moray eel inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida, the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean, then along the coasts of Central and South America as far south as Brazil. It is also widely distributed around the many islands of the West Indies, including Guadeloupe, where it is one of the commonly encountered moray eel species.

The chain moray eel is found in shallow tropical waters, generally from the surface down to depths of around 33 feet. It shelters in crevices within coral reefs and rocky structures. With its body hidden deep inside its refuge, you will often only see its head protruding from the opening as it watches its surroundings.

The chain moray eel feeds mainly on small fish, but also on invertebrates such as squid, shrimp and crabs.

Because of its nocturnal lifestyle, the reproduction of the chain moray eel is still poorly understood. The female lays eggs that hatch into small, flattened, transparent larvae.

There are more than 200 species of moray eels worldwide, divided among 15 genera. Guadeloupe is home to five different species: the green moray, the viper moray, the black moray, the goldentail moray, and the chain moray eel with the paved mouth pattern.

The chain moray eel is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The chain moray eel appears in the IUCN Red List since 2015 within the category Least Concern !

Approach the chain moray eel slowly without disturbing it, and avoid placing your hand near its head. This will help you avoid a bite, which can quickly become infected if not thoroughly disinfected.