Reef fish

Giant moray

Gymnothorax javanicus

IUCN status: Least concern

The largest moray of the Indo-Pacific, reaching about 3m, holed up in reef crevices by day with only its head and gaping jaw showing, and free-swimming to hunt at night. A fixture of Red Sea reefs, often seen with cleaner wrasse working around its mouth.

Max size
Up to ~3m
Habitat
Reef crevices and caves

Best places to dive with Giant moray

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Coron, Palawan
Sighting likelihood by month
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Moray eels, including large individuals, live in the wreck recesses and holds. Seen year-round on most sites.

Koh Chang
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Moray eels are common in the boulders and wreck recesses across Hin Luk Bat, Hin Raab and the HTMS Chang.

Northern Red Sea
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Resident in reef crevices across Tiran and Ras Mohammed year-round, holed up by day and free-swimming to hunt at night.

Ribbon Reefs & Cod Hole
Sighting likelihood by month
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Resident in the coral heads and ledges across the Ribbon Reefs; commonly seen at Challenger Bay and Two Towers, more active at night. Year-round.

Truk Lagoon
Sighting likelihood by month
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Resident in the holds, portholes and wreckage of most ships.

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.