The Hourglass Moray (Muraena clepsydra), recognized by its distinctive hourglass-shaped markings along a slender, elongated body, is a nocturnal eel species native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and rocky substrates. Although not a primary target for large-scale commercial fisheries due to its relatively small size and elusive behavior, the Hourglass Moray is occasionally caught as bycatch or for local consumption and the aquarium trade. The top countries involved in harvesting this species include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, where artisanal fishers may encounter it while targeting reef fish or collecting marine life for export. In these countries, the fishing industry for morays is typically small-scale, with catches supplying local markets or specialized international demand, rather than supporting large commercial operations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.