The Palenose Moray (Echidna nocturna), also known as the Freckled Moray or Night Moray, is a small, secretive eel found in the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru and the Galápagos Islands. It is recognized by its pale snout and dark brown body densely covered with small white or yellowish spots, giving it a freckled appearance. Typically growing to about 60 centimeters in length, this moray prefers rocky reefs and crevices in shallow coastal waters, where it hides during the day and emerges at night to feed on crustaceans, particularly crabs and shrimp. Despite its sharp teeth and somewhat menacing look, the Palenose Moray is generally shy and non-aggressive, playing an important role in maintaining balance in reef ecosystems.