What family does it belong to?

The family Muraenidae (moray eels).

Is 'dragon moray' the same species as 'leopard moray eel'?

Yes; 'dragon moray' is one of the common names for Enchelycore pardalis, which is also called the leopard moray eel.

Does the source provide conservation status or threats?

No; the provided source text does not include conservation status, population trend, or threats.

Is this a ray species?

No; the species is a moray eel in the family Muraenidae, not a ray.

What is 'puhi-kauila'?

Puhi-kauila is a Hawaiian common name for Enchelycore pardalis.

Rays

Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)

Q: What are its common names?

Leopard moray eel, tiger moray eel, dragon moray, and puhi-kauila.

Q: Are there other common names?

The source lists leopard moray eel, tiger moray eel, dragon moray, and puhi-kauila as common names.

Enchelycore pardalis

A species of moray eel in the family Muraenidae, commonly called the leopard or dragon moray.

leopard moray eeltiger moray eeldragon moraypuhi-kauila

Last Updated Mar 9, 2026 · 2 sources

Species Guide

What to know about panther moray eel (dragon eel)s

A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.

Enchelycore pardalis is a species of moray eel in the family Muraenidae. It is commonly known as the leopard moray eel, tiger moray eel, dragon moray, and puhi-kauila (Hawaiian).

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Kauai and countries such as United States of America for divers building trips around panther moray eel (dragon eel)s.

Responsible Encounters

How to dive with panther moray eel (dragon eel)s

Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.

Give panther moray eel (dragon eel) space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with rays.

Field Notes

Interesting things worth knowing

Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.

Field notes

Multiple common names

Enchelycore pardalis is known as the leopard moray eel, tiger moray eel, dragon moray, and puhi-kauila (Hawaiian).

Top Destinations

Top destinations to see panther moray eel (dragon eel)s

Destinations surfaced from the linked dive spots associated with this species.

Kauai

United States

Linked spots1

Top Countries

Top countries for panther moray eel (dragon eel)s

The strongest country-level starting points currently linked to this species.

United States of America

1 linked spots

Top Dive Spots

Top dive spots for panther moray eel (dragon eel)s

Directly linked dive spots where this species already shows up in the planning data.

Three Fingers

Three Fingers: easy boat dive with coral ridges and reef life.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Clear planning and conservation answers written for search visibility and AI retrieval.

Research Sources