Tessellata Eel (Gymnothorax favagineus), also called the Honeycomb Moray or Leopard Moray, is one of the largest and most striking moray eels. Here’s an overview:

🔹 Appearance

• Named for its beautiful honeycomb-like black and white pattern, which looks like tessellated tiles.

• Pattern varies: some individuals have more open black spots, while others have tighter, net-like markings.

• Can grow to 3 meters (about 10 feet) in length, making it one of the largest morays.

• Has a long, sinuous body with a wide mouth full of sharp, recurved teeth.

🔹 Habitat & Range

• Found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, from the Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia.

• Lives in coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky areas, often hiding in caves or crevices during the day.

• Nocturnal hunter, more active at night.

🔹 Diet

• Carnivorous: preys on fish, cephalopods (like octopus), and crustaceans.

• Ambush predator—lurks in holes, then strikes with lightning speed.

🔹 Behavior

• Generally solitary and territorial.

• Like other morays, relies on its sense of smell more than vision.

• Can appear menacing because it constantly opens and closes its mouth—this is actually just how it pumps water over its gills.

• Specimen is 10"