Moringua raitaborua (Hamilton, 1822)
Purple spaghetti-eel
photo by Bucol, A.A.

Family:  Moringuidae (Worm or spaghetti eels)
Max. size:  44 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Gangetic estuary (West Bengal) in India, Bangaladesh and Nepal (Ref. 85009). Possible occurrence in the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 104-104. Extremely elongate, relatively short and stubby body, with depth 31-45 times in total length; head inconspicuous from rest of body, its length 8-10 times in total length; occipital crest not elevated (Ref. 4832).
Biology:  Found in estuaries. Reported to occur in rivers (Ref. 1479).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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