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Gymnothorax elaineheemstrae Sithole, Smith & Gouws, 2020 Marbled leopard moray |
| Family: | Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae | |||
| Max. size: | 71 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range - 40 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: South Africa. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Vertebrae: 136-136. This species is distinguished by the following characters: dorsal-fin origin is anterior to gill opening; anal-fin origin just behind anus; body with mottled and faintly reticulated color pattern on a dark brown background; long intermaxillary canines 3, in a median row; vomerine teeth small, in a single row; maxillary teeth biserial; vertebral count: predorsal 3-5, preanal 54-58, total 134-136 (Ref. 123145). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs in rock, intertidal and tide pools and sand bottoms (Ref. 123145). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||