Gymnothorax undulatus (Lacepède 1803)

Distinctive pattern of light undulating lines and speckles on a dark green background. Snout often yellow (Ref. 30404).Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 12-21 in TL; origin of dorsal fin anterior to gill opening; anus at or slightly anterior to middle of body; long canine teeth anteriorly in jaws, some alternating with smaller teeth; front of upper jaw with three very long canines in median row; few inner canines on side of upper jaw in smaller specimens (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0; Vertebrae: 126 - 138

Inhabits coral reefs (Ref. 58534). A common species on reef flats among rocks, rubble, or debris and also occurs in lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of 26 m or more. Cavernicolous (Ref. 8593, 58302). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Nocturnal species that feeds on fishes, octopi, and probably crustaceans. Reported to be an aggressive species and prone to bite (Ref. 11889).

A common species on reef flats among rocks, rubble, or debris and also occurs in lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of 26 m or more. Minimum depth of 1m (Ref. 81209). Cavernicolous (Ref. 8593, 58302). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Nocturnal species that feeds on fishes, octopi, and probably crustaceans. Reported to be an aggressive species and prone to bite. Used in Chinese medicine (Ref. 12166).

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family