Enchelycore Explained

Enchelycore is a genus of moray eels in the family Muraenidae. Enchelycore species are generally small to medium-sized eels, most ranging from 2feetto3feetft (toft) in length, with the largest being the Mosaic Moray (E. ramosa), which reaches a length of 6feet. Members of the genus feature distinctive, curved jaws that prevent them from fully closing their mouth and aids them in catching, and holding on to prey. Enchelycore species can also feature extremely bright colors (E. pardalis, E. anatina) and ornate markings (E. lichenosa).

Species

There are currently 13 recognized species in this genus:

• Enchelycore anatina (R. T. Lowe, 1838) (Fangtooth moray)
• Enchelycore bayeri (L. P. Schultz, 1953) (Bayer's moray)
• Enchelycore bikiniensis (L. P. Schultz, 1953) (Bikini Atoll moray)
• Enchelycore carychroa J. E. Böhlke & E. B. Böhlke, 1976 (Caribbean chestnut moray)
• Enchelycore kamara J. E. Böhlke & E. B. Böhlke, 1980 (Dark-spotted moray)
• Enchelycore lichenosa (D. S. Jordan & Snyder, 1901) (Reticulate hookjaw moray)
• Enchelycore nigricans (Bonnaterre, 1788) (Mulatto Conger)
• Enchelycore nycturanus D. G. Smith, 2002
• Enchelycore octaviana (G. S. Myers & Wade, 1941) (Slenderjaw moray)
• Enchelycore pardalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) (Leopard moray)
• Enchelycore ramosa (Griffin, 1926) (Mosaic moray)
• Enchelycore schismatorhynchus (Bleeker, 1853) (White-margined moray)
• Enchelycore tamarae Prokofiev, 2005