This species is one of the largest of the morays, with a maximum recorded size of 8 feet, and weight of 65 pounds.
Green Morays are sedentary, sit-and-wait predators with strong sharp teeth. Their bite, contrary to popular belief, is not poisonous, but is painful, and may cause serious infection. Part of their reputation for being viscious may come from their behavior of constantly opening and closing their mouth. Actually, they are taking in water which passes over their gills , and from which they extract oxygen.