| Family: |
Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae |
| Max. size: |
100 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: widespread in the Indian Ocean, ranging to some oceanic locations in the Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Vertebrae: 128-131. Distinctive black patch mark below eye (Ref. 30404). Body brown, speckled darker; dark anus and gill opening (Ref. 3257).
Description: Characterized by brown color with tan flecks; black diagonal band from eye to rear corner of mouth; body depth at gill opening about 14 in TL; origin of dorsal fin slightly anterior of gill opening; anus at about middle of the body; short canine teeth in upper jaw in single row; two elongate canines in median row at front of upper jaw; two rows of teeth on each side of front of lower jaw, three large canines in inner row; finely serrated teeth in jaws (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits clear seaward reefs of oceanic islands to a depth over 25 m (Ref. 9710). Common on reef walls and steep slopes with holes (Ref. 30404). Inhabits porous coral rock which it shares with swarms of anthiases (Ref. 37816). Feeds on fishes and octopi (Ref. 89972). Territorial and will bite when provoked (Ref. 30404). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 9710. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
traumatogenic |
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