Gymnothorax hepaticus (Rüppell, 1830)
Liver-colored moray eel
Gymnothorax hepaticus
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Samoa and the Hawaiian Islands (?), north to southern Japan; Ifaluk and Guam in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Distinguished from other Gymnothorax by their high dorsal fin and plain brownish coloration with light margins on the fins.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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