Giant Moray
Gymnothorax javanicus
The Red Sea's most fearsome-looking and most misunderstood resident. Toothy grins, gentle nature, and resident on virtually every reef.
- Size
- 80–300 cm
- Depth
- 1–50 m
- Sighting odds
- common
- IUCN status
- LC
About this species
Giant morays can reach 3 m and are the largest moray species in the world. The constant 'breathing' open-mouthed pose isn't aggression — it's how they pump water across their gills. They're nocturnal hunters and spend daylight hours wedged into reef crevices, often with cleaner shrimp and wrasses tending their teeth.
Fun facts
- Have a second set of jaws (pharyngeal jaws) deep in their throats
- Hunt cooperatively with groupers in some reefs
- Can live over 30 years
Best sites for this species
Abu Hashish Lagoon
A protected sandy lagoon inside the Abu Hashish reef system — flat, calm, and packed with critters. Our favourite spot for buoyancy training and macro photography.
Erg Abu Ramada
An iconic offshore pinnacle rising from 30 m to within 4 m of the surface. Three towers connected by saddles, festooned in soft coral and patrolled by big fish.
El Mina Wreck
A 70 m Egyptian minesweeper sunk during the 1967 war, lying on her port side at 32 m. The most dramatic and accessible wreck in the Hurghada area — and a highlight of any Advanced Open Water course.
Gota Abu Ramada
Nicknamed 'The Aquarium' for good reason — the densest, most riotous fish life of any easy reef in the Hurghada area. The first dive every visiting photographer asks for.
Want to dive with giant moray?
Tell us when you're coming and we'll plan a dive that maximises your chances.