Longfang moray (Enchelynassa canina)
Source-cited species reference: taxonomy from WoRMS, biology from FishBase, occurrence map from GBIF, conservation from IUCN Red List, description from Wikipedia.
The viper moray can grow up to 250 cm. Recognized for its elongated body and sharp, fang-like teeth, this eel is a formidable predator in coral reef ecosystems. It has a slender, elongated body with a dark brown or grayish coloration. One of its most distinctive features is its set of large, pointed teeth. The body is long and sturdy, with a tail shorter than the combined length of the head and trunk. It has a wide mouth with curved jaws, and its sharp teeth remain visible even when the mouth is closed. The large, oval-shaped rear nostrils are surrounded by a fleshy rim and positioned in front of the eyes. The front nostrils are tubular, each featuring a bilobed fleshy flap. Its teeth are sharp and fang-like, arranged in two rows along the jaws, with two small conical teeth on the vomer at the roof of the mouth. The dorsal fin begins in front of the gill openings.
- Scientific name
- Enchelynassa canina
- Authority
- (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Order
- Anguilliformes
- Maximum length
- 250 cm
- Depth range
- 1–30 m
- Habitat zone
- reef-associated
- Iucn red list
- Least Concern
- Gbif occurrence records
- 129
Classification (WoRMS)
Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Anguilliformes · Family: Muraenidae · Genus: Enchelynassa.
Accepted name: Enchelynassa canina · Authority: (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 217475.
Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Enchelycore canina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824); Enchelynassa conina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824); Muraena canina Quoy & Gaimard, 1824.
Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217475 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Biology and life history (FishBase)
Measured values published by FishBase for Enchelynassa canina. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.
Maximum length: 250 cm · Depth range: 1–30 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: eel-like · Vulnerability index: 90 of 100.
FishBase notes: Inhabits areas with strong surge such as benches, outer reef flats and reef fronts (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Very secretive during the day; feeds on fishes and octopi at night (Ref. 9710). May bite by accident or when provoked.
Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 6491) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Enchelynassa-canina.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)
129 georeferenced occurrence records for Enchelynassa canina are published through GBIF from 20 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 45 distinct locations from a sample of 129 records, omitting 9 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: United States of America (44); French Polynesia (29); France (11); Réunion (10); Marshall Islands (6); Micronesia (Federated States of) (4); Solomon Islands (3); Tonga (3); Wallis and Futuna (3); Costa Rica (2); Indonesia (2); British Indian Ocean Territory (2); Kiribati (2); Northern Mariana Islands (2); American Samoa (1).
Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: Chagos.
Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2404222) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2404222&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217475 (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 Enchelynassa canina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) 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 195699) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/195699/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2404222) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2404222/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-23.
Description and natural history (Wikipedia)
Viper moray eels are widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting tropical and subtropical marine environments. Its range extends from the eastern coast of Africa, including the Red Sea, to the central and western Pacific Ocean. It can be found in the waters around the coastlines of India, Indonesia, and Australia. The species is also present in Japan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and various Pacific islands, including Hawaii and French Polynesia.
This species inhabits outer reefs and reef flats, with recorded depths reaching up to 30 meters. It is believed to be nocturnal, hunting for fish and octopuses at night. As a nocturnal predator, E. canina tends to remain hidden during the day and becomes more active at night when hunting. While its population distribution is broad, localized data on its abundance are limited. They are known for hiding in crevices during the day and emerging at night to hunt.
The viper moray eel is a carnivorous predator that primarily feeds on fish and octopus. Like other moray eels, E. canina possesses a secondary set of jaws known as pharyngeal jaws, which are located in its throat.
Source: Wikipedia: Viper moray — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viper_moray (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
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