Giant Moray Eel (<i>Gymnothorax javanicus</i>), a Long-Living Apex Predator That Poses a Food Safety Risk in the Pacific.

ABSTRACT: The giant moray eel (GME; Gymnothorax javanicus) is an important marine species that plays a key ecological role in reef systems and is a valued food source for indigenous communities. However, it is well-known that GMEs pose a food safety risk due to their ability to accumulate high levels of ciguatoxins (CTXs), the toxins known to cause ciguatera poisoning. This study assessed the age, CTX levels, elemental composition, and nutritional profile of seven GME specimens collected from Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga (Cook Islands), representing the most detailed compositional investigation on this species. Age was determined for the three largest specimens, with the oldest being 39 years old. All specimens contained ciguatoxins, with Type I (CTX4A derivatives), Type II (CTX3C derivatives), alg

SUBMITTER: Passfield EMF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12472033 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature