Leopard moray eel

The leopard moray eel, tiger moray eel or dragon moray (Enchelycore pardalis), is a species of moray eel.

The leopard moray eel is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific oceans from Réunion to the Hawaiian, Line and Society Islands, north to southern Japan, southern Korea, and south to New Caledonia.

It inhabits coral and rocky reefs at depth range from 8 to 60 m.

It grows up to 92 cm in length and is characterized by its narrow, curved jaws, vivid red stripes on the head, and elongated tubular nostrils. As it is primarily nocturnal and has a preference for cryptic habitats, it is seldom seen. It feeds primarily on fishes and small cephalopods.