Description:

Dorsal spines: 0; Anal spines: 0. Vertebrae: 134 - 145. A single series of conical teeth in upper jaw and 2-3 fangs on each side; a row of 3 larger canines on intermaxillary; mandibles with a single series of teeth; vomerine teeth uniserial.
Colour. Chestnut brown species shading darker posteriorly, without darker markings. 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range 44-? Cm. Max length: 80.0 cm TL.

Inhabits relatively turbid areas of sheltered lagoon reefs (depth 1-20m), including mangroves.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, but is a very rare component of the catch. 

A new record for Seychelles, though Smith (1963) stated that he considered it likely to occur here. The specimen shown here (recorded by J. Nevill, 30/07/21) was caught in a fish trap and measured 73cm TL and weighed 0.76Kg. 

Anam, R. & Mostarda, E. (2012). FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES OF KENYA. UNFAO Rome, 2012. ISBN 978-92-5-107239-4
Bray, D.J. (2019). Gymnothorax monochrous in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3554 (01/08/21). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2021. FishBase.  https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Gymnothorax-monochrous.html (01/08/21)
Smith, D.G. et al. (2019). Gymnothorax monochrous. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T195759A2413952. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T195759A2413952.en. (01/08/21).
Smith, J.L.B. & Smith, M.M. (1963). The Fishes of Seychelles. Department of Ichthyology. Rhodes University. Grahamstown.

Nevill, J.E.G. (2021). Seychelles Seatizens. Gymnothorax monochrous. https://seatizens.sc/species/7311-2/