Family: |
Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Uropterygiinae |
Max. size: |
62 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m |
Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to the Yaeyamas, south to Tonga. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0; Vertebrae: 131-139. Color whitish and densely mottled with roundish dark brown spots about the size of eye or slightly larger. Gill opening on mid side of the body.
Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 22-30 in TL; rudimentary fins; anus well anterior to middle of body; preanal length 2.3-2.4 in TL; gill opening at about middle of side; numerous slender and sharp teeth, mainly in three rows in jaws, inner rows progressively longer; front of upper jaw with longest teeth medially (Ref. 90102). |
Biology: |
Benthic in crevices in shallow water to 121 m (Ref. 58302, 75154). Uncommon inhabitant of reef flats and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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