Family: |
Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae |
Max. size: |
70 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 64 m |
Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: from the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, to French Polynesia; absent in the Hawaiian Islands. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0; Vertebrae: 146-153. Narrow hooked jaws jammed full of long dagger-like teeth. Uniformly brown species.
Description: Characterized by medium brown color with yellowish green margin posteriorly on fins; body depth at gill opening 12-27 in TL; origin of of dorsal fin above or slightly anterior to gill opening; anus anterior to middle of body; head and trunk (preanal length) 2.4-2.6 in TL; slender and hooked jaws; visible long canine teeth at gap between jaws when mouth closed and laterally viewed; alternating canines and small sharp teeth in jaws; upper jaw with inner row of large canines (Ref. 90102). |
Biology: |
A rare species that inhabits benches and seaward reefs. Secretive in reefs, sometimes seen at night (Ref. 48635). Feeds on fishes. May bite by accident or when provoked. |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
traumatogenic |
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