Greyface moray eel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Muraenidae
Genus: Gymnothorax
Species:
G. thyrsoideus
Binomial name
Gymnothorax thyrsoideus

The greyface moray eel, also called the freckled moray, slender moray, or white-eyed moray,[1] Gymnothorax thyrsoideus, is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae.

Description

The Greyface moray is a medium-sized fish that is most commonly observed at lengths of around 40 cm, reaching a maximum length of 66 cm.[2][3] Its body is serpentine in shape, is speckled with small dark spots and has a predominantly beige color that can vary in strength between different eels . The head is grey with distinctive white eyes. Here is a video of the eel in its natural habitat.

Distribution and habitat

The greyface moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from India and the Maldives to Polynesia and from south Japan to Australia and New Caledonia.[4]

This moray likes shallow and somewhat turbid waters from lagoons, protected reefs and areas rich in debris like wrecks around 35 meters deep.[5]

Biology

The greyface moray is a carnivore of benthic fish. During the day, it sits in a shelter, often with other morays. When night arrives it leaves its lair and actively hunts prey, consisting of small fish and crustaceans.

References

  1. ↑ Common names for Gymnothorax thyrsoideus at www.fishbase.org.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene, 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 p.
  4. ↑ Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene 1990 Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 p.
  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.


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