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• front nostril tubular
• ll: head only
• rear nostril above mid-eye level
• no pectorals
• dorsal, anal and tail fins continuous

MORAY EELS, SNAKE-MORAY EELS

Morays eels are characterized by a very elongate muscular, compressed body and large mouth. This large assemblage is very diverse with regards to head shape, dentition, color pattern, and maximum size. All species lack pectoral fins and scales. There is great variation in the height of the dorsal and anal fins, which are continuous with the tail fin (or absent in the genera Anarchias, Scuticaria and Uropterygius). Morays in the genus Echidna have blunt teeth (flat and molar-like in some species) that are adapted for crushing crabs and molluscs. Most of the other species have sharp needle-like fangs that in larger morays are capable of inflicting deep, painful wounds. Fortunately most species are not aggressive, but it is unwise for divers to thrust their hands blindly into crevices and holes in the reef. This action can sometimes provoke an attack, as will the feeding of large morays with fish baits. Normal prey items of morays include fishes and a variety of invertebrates such as crabs, shrimps, and octopuses.

This cincumtropical and temperate, family includes 15 genera and about 200 species, with 28 species in 9 genera in our area.

References

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