Tiger reef-eel (Scuticaria tigrina)

Classification (WoRMS)

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

Accepted name: Scuticaria tigrina · Authority: (Lesson, 1828) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 217530.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Gymnomuraena tigrina (Lesson, 1828); Ichthyophis tigrinus Lesson, 1828; Scuticara tigrina (Lesson, 1828); Scuticaria tigrinus (Lesson, 1828); Uropteryginus tigrinus (Lesson, 1828); Uropterygius tigrinus (Lesson, 1828).

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217530 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

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

Maximum length: 140 cm · Depth range: 0–25 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: eel-like · Vulnerability index: 84 of 100 · Fishery importance: commercial · Aquarium trade: commercial.

FishBase notes: Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Found on sand and between rocks (Ref. 9324). Extremely secretive. Usually only seen at night (Ref. 48635). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 86942.

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 7450) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Scuticaria-tigrina.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

421 georeferenced occurrence records for Scuticaria tigrina are published through GBIF from 46 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 101 distinct locations from a sample of 421 records, omitting 22 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Mexico (169); United States of America (79); French Polynesia (15); Oman (11); Costa Rica (10); Philippines (10); Ecuador (9); Kenya (9); Chinese Taipei (9); Indonesia (8); Maldives (7); Panama (7); Réunion (6); Egypt (5); Malaysia (5).

Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: Tanzanian Exclusive Economic Zone; Chagos; South Africa (country); Seychellois Exclusive Economic Zone; Mozambican Exclusive Economic Zone; Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone; Comoran Exclusive Economic Zone; Somali Exclusive Economic Zone; Madagascar; Réunion Exclusive Economic Zone.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 5213111) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=5213111&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217530 (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 Scuticaria tigrina (Lesson, 1828) 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 195816) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/195816/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 5213111) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/5213111/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-23.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

Scuticaria tigrina can reach a total length of about 140 cm. Its body is elongated and cylindrical, with a very short tail and longitudinal fins almost exclusively on the tail. It has two rows of sharp conical teeth, which allow it to catch its prey efficiently. The body color is yellowish brown to reddish brown with round black spots bordered by yellow.

Scuticaria tigrina can be found across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Society Islands, including Hawaii, the Philippines, and Indonesia, as well as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. This species is usually found on shallow reefs and prefers crevices, sandy or rocky areas where it can hide during the day.

Although sometimes encountered by divers and kept in aquariums, Scuticaria tigrina is not a major commercial fishery species. In some areas, it is used for food, but it is mainly of ecological importance.

Source: Wikipedia: Scuticaria tigrina — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuticaria_tigrina (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.