| Family: |
Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Uropterygiinae |
| Max. size: |
150 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 100 m |
| Distribution: |
Circumtropical. Indian Ocean: Reunion and Mauritius (Ref. 33390) and Christmas Island. Western Pacific: Palau, and the Hawaiian Islands. Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Bahamas, and Caribbean Sea; may occur in southern Florida, USA and northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 7251). Reported from Bahia, Brazil (Ref. 57756). Eastern Atlantic: around oceanic islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. The small cranium, anterior position of the eyes, and enlarged lower jaw are unique (Ref 1602)
Description: Characterized by alternating bands of black and white on body; relatively pointed head; multiple rows of jaw teeth (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
A benthic species and solitary species (Ref. 26340) inhabiting outer reef slopes. Occurs under ledges and in holes of reef slopes (Ref. 37816). Has the habit of puffing its head like a cobra when approached (Ref. 37816). Secretive and nocturnal (Ref. 48635). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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