Broadbanded moray (Channomuraena vittata)

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Anguilliformes · Family: Muraenidae · Genus: Channomuraena.

Accepted name: Channomuraena vittata · Authority: (Richardson, 1845) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 217466.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Channomuraena bennettii (Günther, 1870); Channomuraena cubensis Poey, 1868; Channomuraena vittatus (Richardson, 1845); Gymnomuraena bennettii Günther, 1870; Gymnomuraena vittata (Richardson, 1845); Ichthyophis vittatus Richardson, 1845; Nettastoma vittata (Richardson, 1845); Uropterygius bennetti (Günther, 1870).

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217466 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Channomuraena vittata. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 150 cm · Common length: 80 cm · Depth range: 5–100 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: eel-like · Vulnerability index: 90 of 100 · Fishery importance: subsistence fisheries · Aquarium trade: commercial.

FishBase notes: A benthic species and solitary species (Ref. 26340) inhabiting outer reef slopes. Occurs under ledges and in holes of reef slopes (Ref. 37816). Has the habit of puffing its head like a cobra when approached (Ref. 37816). Secretive and nocturnal (Ref. 48635). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 1097) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Channomuraena-vittata.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

68 georeferenced occurrence records for Channomuraena vittata are published through GBIF from 20 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 32 distinct locations from a sample of 68 records; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (13); Martinique (7); Sao Tome and Principe (7); Guadeloupe (5); Cuba (4); Cabo Verde (4); Réunion (4); Wallis and Futuna (4); Bahamas (3); Saint Lucia (3); United States of America (3); Micronesia (Federated States of) (2); Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (2); Bermuda (1); Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (1).

Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: Réunion Exclusive Economic Zone; Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone; Gulf of Mexico.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2404367) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2404367&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217466 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Channomuraena vittata (Richardson, 1845) as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 190071) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/190071/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2404367) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2404367/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-23.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

The broadbanded moray is a large, thick, muscular moray that can grow up to 150 cm in length, although its common length is 80 cm. The fins are confined to the posterior part of the tail, which is short and lacks pectoral and pelvic fins. It has no scales and produces a mucus over its thick skin. It has rather small eyes positioned at the end of the short snout. It has numerous and short, sharp teeth inserted into a large and profound jaw that extends back into the head. In addition, there is a second jaw, the pharyngeal jaw located further down the throat, used to capture and transport the prey into the throat. It possesses a posterior nostril in short tube. It has gills positioned far back behind the head. Its anus is located at the posterior third of the total length of its body.

The distinctive features are the small cranium, the anterior position of the eyes, an enlarged lower jaw that projects beyond upper jaw and 13 to 16 dark bars or bands throughout the body.

Only native cases have been found, so it is not invasive to anywhere.

Atlantic Ocean: Ascension Island, the Cape Verde Islands, Annobon Island, and Sao Tome Island, Bermuda, the Bahamas, in the Gulf of Mexico from northwestern Cuba, in the Caribbean from Mona Island, Puerto Rico to St. Vincent, Colombia, Curaçao to Margarita Island, St. Paul's Rocks and Brazil (Bahia).

Indo-pacific: Reunion and Mauritius and Christmas Island, Palau, and the Hawaiian Islands, Kiribati Island, Palmyra Island, Micronesia (Pohnpei), Indonesia (Bali).

Habitat: Subtidal rocks, rocky reefs and coral reefs. It is an uncommon bottom dwelling species. Uniquely snake-like in appearance and behavior, it is a benthic and solitary species mostly found in outer reef slopes under ledges and in holes. It is secretive and nocturnal.

Depth range: 5 – 100 m, but usually around 40 m of depth.

Being a relatively newly discovered species, its feeding habits are still unknown.

Moray eels are known to have very long migrations for spawning in open waters, where the eggs are then fertilized by the male outside of the female's body, yet the spawning rituals specific for the broadbanded moray are still unknown, as they are hard to capture.

This species is captured occasionally and consumed in local fisheries. It is also known to be sought for aquarium fish trade.

There are currently no major threats to this species apart from the occasional impact from local fisheries and the aquarium trade.

There are no species-specific conservation measures.

According to the IUCN Red List Status, it is classified as Least Concern.

Source: Wikipedia: Channomuraena vittata — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channomuraena_vittata (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.