Gymnothorax baranesi Smith, Brokovich & Einbinder, 2008
Barane’s moray
photo by Brokovich, E.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  85.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range - 200 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Israel (Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba).
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 137-142. This moderately large species of moray is distinguished by the following characters: color pattern irregular, complex, rosette-like pale spots on a brown background, the spots becoming smaller on head; intermaxillary teeth in one peripheral and one median row; 1-2 rows of maxillary teeth, the inner one, when present, has two depressible teeth; mandibular teeth in one row; vertebrae 6-7, 52-55, 137-142 (Ref. 74922).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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