Uropterygius nagoensis Hatooka, 1984
Nago snakemoray
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Uropterygiinae
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: only from the Red Sea to the Society and Solomon Is., north to Japan, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 136-138. Description: Characterized by pale brown color with large dendritic, interconnected dark brown spots forming coarse reticular pattern; irregular white band across interorbital space; body depth at gill opening about 24-25 in TL; rudimentary fins; anus anterior to middle of body; preanal length 2.1-2.2 in TL; gill opening on upper third of side; without lateral-line pores anterior to gill opening; slender and sharp teeth in four rows in upper jaw, three rows in lower, teeth progressively longer medially and depressible inner rows; medial row of intermaxillary with two extremely long and slender canines; three progressively smaller vomerine teeth in single row (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reef in about 10-30 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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