Mediterranean moray

The Mediterranean moray is a fairly common species found in the coastal waters of Cyprus. It typically measures between 50 and 100 centimeters in length, although it can exceed 120 centimeters. Its breeding season takes place between February and July. It is rarely targeted and is usually caught accidentally using static nets, longlines, bottom trawls, rods, and spearguns. By choosing this fish you help support fishing communities make more of their catch and fish sustainably.

The Mediterranean moray lives at depths ranging from 0 to 100 meters. It is a carnivorous fish that feeds on fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Once caught, it gives a good fight and its bite is dangerous and painful. Nevertheless, it is anything but aggressive, since it spends most of the day hidden in rock cavities and does not attack unless it feels threatened. Its meat is considered very tasty, if prepared and cooked properly.

Bottom trawling is one of the most harmful ways to fish in our seas, as it drags heavy gear across the seabed, damaging all kinds of habitats, killing benthic life and leading to high catches of non-targeted species. In the southern part of Cyprus there is a restriction for trawling during the 16th of February and the 31st of May, and in the northern part bottom trawling is altogether banned. 

It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the fish was caught and with which fishing method. Bottom longlines are a more sustainable fishing method than trammel nets for this species. Prefer locally harvested seafood products by coastal small-scale fisheries.