Scuba Season
Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2019

Moray Eel

Gymnothorax kidako

Sighting evidence at Osezaki, Izu Peninsula

Moray Eel

Photo: mikejdo · CC BY-NC

The kidako moray is a resident apex predator in Izu's reef crevices, using a second set of pharyngeal jaws to drag struggling fish inward — a feeding mechanism unique to morays among vertebrates. They play a critical role in controlling reef fish populations and are regularly seen hunting cooperatively with roving grouper.

Evidence at this site

7 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites