Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae |
103 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 8 m |
Indo-Pacific: western Indian Ocean to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands. |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0; Vertebrae: 201-214. Has a more typical muraenid head than R. quaesita.
Description: Characterized by pale grey color, shading to white ventrally; small black spots on head; narrow white margins on fin; laterally compressed long body; body depth at gill opening 39-56 in TL; dorsal fin nearly as high as body depth; origin of dorsal fin between corner of mouth and gill opening; preanal length 2.1-2.3 in TL; small, compressed teeth slanting backward; male with single row of teeth; female with inner row of teeth at side of upper jaw and front of lower jaw (Ref. 90102). |
Inhabits reef flats and shallow lagoons, usually buried in the sand or rubble (Ref. 9710, 48635). Occasionally seen swimming between its burrows in shallow protected areas (Ref. 48635). A gonochoristic species (Ref. 32169). Solitary (Ref 90102). |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
harmless |
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