Fimbriated moray explained

The fimbriated moray (Gymnothorax fimbriatus), also known as dark-spotted moray or spot-face moray, is a moray eel of the family Muraenidae.

Description

Gymnothorax fimbriatus is a medium-sized moray which can reach a maximum length of 80cm (30inches).^[1] Its serpentine in shape body has a white cream to light brown background color dotted with numerous black spots which latter vary in size and shape depending on the individual and maturity. Its head has a tapered snout and it is greenish-yellow with black dots, the corners of the mouth are white.

Distribution and habitat

The spot-face moray is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area, mainly on the coastal reefs of oceanic islands from Madagascar to Polynesia and from south Japan to New Caledonia.^{[2] [3] [4]}

It lives in protected areas on the outer slopes of coral reefs, top reefs, lagoons and harbors. During the day, it sits sheltered in crevices between 1and(-) deep.^[5]

Biology

The fimbriated moray is carnivorous, it leaves its lair at night to actively hunt its preys along the reef.It feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

External links

• http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217499
• http://www.fishbase.org/summary/6495

Notes and References

1. Myers, R.F., 1991. Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p.
2. Web site: DORIS - FFESSM - Biologie et plongée - Faune et flore sous-marines et dulcicoles . 2015-01-13 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150113213735/http://doris.ffessm.fr/fiche2.asp?fiche_numero=1568 . 2015-01-13 . dead .
3. Masuda, H., K. Amaoka, C. Araga, T. Uyeno and T. Yoshino, 1984. The fishes of the Japanese Archipelago. Vol. 1. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan. 437 p. (text).
4. Chen, H.-M., K.-T. Shao and C.T. Chen, 1994. A review of the muraenid eels (Family Muraenidae) from Taiwan with descriptions of twelve new records. Zool. Stud. 33(1):44-64.
5. Allen, G.R. and M.V. Erdmann, 2012. Reef fishes of the East Indies. Perth, Australia: University of Hawai'i Press, Volumes I-III. Tropical Reef Research.