| Family: |
Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae |
| Max. size: |
38.7 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 25 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa (Ref. 33390) to the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands, south to Australia. Eastern Central Pacific: Costa Rica and Panama (Ref. 9324) and the Galapagos (Ref. 2334). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0; Vertebrae: 109-117. Dark brown with irregular dark spots anteriorly, interspersed with lighter granulations that form diffuse crossbars on the tail.
Description: Characterized by Light brown color on head and front of body; dark brown over remainder of body, small black spots, white flecks; fin margins yellow; body depth at gill opening about 11-16 in TL; origin of dorsal fin anterior to gill opening; anus at about middle of body; five rows of canine teeth across front of upper jaw; two rows of teeth on each side of upper jaw; lower jaw with two rows of teeth in front, larger teeth in inner row (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in shallow lagoon and seaward reefs, primarily found in the surge zone (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Lives between rocks and corals. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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