Undulated moray
| Undulated moray | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Muraenidae |
| Genus: | Gymnothorax |
| Species: | G. undulatus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gymnothorax undulatus (Lacépède, 1803)
| |
The undulated moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) is a moray eel of the family Muraenidae, found in the Indo-Pacific and east-central Pacific Ocean at depths down to 30 m. Their length is up to 1.5 m.
Description and biology
[edit]The undulated moray can easily be identified by its yellow head and brown spots covering its body. It is also lined by white borders forming similar to a chain link. [2] They use their large mouths to pump water to the gills, while the gill cover is a small hole to protect the delicate gills. Like most eels, they lack the pectoral and pelvic fins to make it easier for them to move through the crevices of reefs.[2] Their other fins are fitted with thicker skin to protect from sharp reef.[2] They move in a S-shape to be able to move back and forth to also aid in movement through reefs.[3] Their teeth are shaped to be curved backwards so they can hold onto their prey and easily move the prey backwards for digestion.[3]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Gymnothorax undulatus can be found in the Pacific as well as East Africa.[2] Most of the time they can be found in reefs of lagoons and seawards or in reef-flats. [4] They like to shelter within reefs and can be found from depths of 1 to 50 meters. The undulated moray is nocturnal as they hide in reefs during the day and hunt for food at night.[3]
Human use and cultural significance
[edit]The undulated eel and several other species of eels (puhi) are featured in many Hawaiian stories as common ʻaumakua, thought to be ancestors protecting families.[5] This eel is known as laumilo or "milo leaf" from the way it swims similar to blown leaves of the milo tree, it itself is considered a guardian for the tree according to the Kumulipo.[6][7] This eel was also a common form that Kū, the Hawaiian god of war, would take to interact with humans.[5]
For many native Hawaiian communities eels were an important food source and used for special dishes when leaders had special guests,[5] this particular eel is deemed "highly relished".[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Smith, D.G.; McCosker, J.; Tighe, K. (2019). "Gymnothorax undulatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T195803A2419811. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T195803A2419811.en.
- ^ a b c d "Undulated Moray". Waikīkī Aquarium. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ a b c Sutton, Alan (2017-05-07). "Undulated Moray Eel-Facts Video and Photographs". Seaunseen. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ "Gymnothorax undulatus". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- ^ a b c "Puhi – Moray Eels – Eels". Hanalei River Heritage Foundation. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
- ^ "Milo". Te Māra Reo: The Language Garden. Benton Family Trust. 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ See:
- Titcomb, Margaret; Pukui, Mary Kawena (1951). "Native use of fish in Hawaii". The Journal of the Polynesian Society. 60 (4): 122. ISSN 0032-4000. JSTOR 20703317.
- Beckwith, Martha Warren (1992). The Kumulipo: a Hawaiian creation chant (1981 paperback ed.). Honolulu: Univ. of Hawaii Press. p. 66. ISBN 0-8248-0771-5.
- ^ Titcomb & Pukui (1951), p. 122
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Gymnothorax undulatus". FishBase. June 2006 version.
External links
[edit]- Fishes of Australia : Gymnothorax undulatus
- Photos of Undulated moray on Sealife Collection