Depth
Mora · Bony Fish

Common Mora

Mora moro

300 - 2500 m
Depth Range
80 cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
300 - 2500 m
Depth Range
80 cm
Max Size
Deep Sea
Habitat
Predator
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Rare
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusMora
Speciesmoro

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationDeep-bodied fish with a large head and very large eyes. Uniform dark grey to brownish-black coloration. Two dorsal fins. Prominent barbel on the chin.
  • SizeUp to 70 cm total length, commonly 40 to 55 cm.
  • Social HabitOccurs in loose aggregations over deep-sea terrain. Not a schooling species but may gather near food sources.
  • HabitatDeep-water rocky slopes and muddy bottoms of the continental slope, near submarine canyons and seamounts.
  • Depth300 to 2,500 m. A deep-sea species far beyond recreational diving depths.
  • Feeds OnCrustaceans, small fish, and cephalopods captured in deep water.
  • DistributionWidespread in the Atlantic Ocean from Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA deep-dwelling relative of the cod that is never encountered by divers. The common mora has enormous eyes adapted to the near-total darkness of its habitat. Occasionally taken as bycatch in deep-sea longline and trawl fisheries.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

A bathypelagic and benthopelagic species found from 300 to 2500 m depth across the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic. Inhabits the continental slope and deep basins, often near the seafloor.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Deep continental slopes and abyssal plains. Found near the seafloor over muddy and sandy bottoms at great depth. Sometimes in mid-water above the seabed. Prefers deep-water environments with stable, cold conditions.

Encounter Tips

Not accessible to recreational or technical divers. Known primarily from deep-sea trawl catches and occasional research submersible observations.

Common Mora species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Mora moro may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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