The Australian Mottled Moray, Saw-toothed Eel, Indo-Pacific Spotted Moray, scientifically known as Gymnothorax prionodon, is a species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. This eel is characterized by its distinctive mottled pattern and its presence in various marine zones.
Description & Characteristics
Gymnothorax prionodon is a relatively large moray eel, reaching a maximum size of 150.0 cm. Its body is elongated and serpentine, typical of moray eels, with a prominent, pointed snout. The eel’s coloration is highly variable, ranging from brown to grey, with a distinctive mottled pattern of darker spots and blotches across its body. This coloration provides excellent camouflage within its natural habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Australian Mottled Moray, Saw-toothed Eel, Indo-Pacific Spotted Moray, Gymnothorax prionodon, is found in a wide range of habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It typically inhabits coral reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds, often residing in crevices and caves for shelter and ambush hunting. This species can be found in various marine zones, including the intertidal zone, the continental shelf, and even at depths exceeding 100 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Gymnothorax prionodon belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Anguilliformes, and Family: Muraenidae. The Teleostei class encompasses a vast majority of bony fish, while the Anguilliformes order includes all eel species. The Muraenidae family, specifically, consists of moray eels, characterized by their elongated bodies, powerful jaws, and predatory nature.
Feeding
Gymnothorax prionodon is a carnivorous predator that feeds on a diverse range of prey. Its diet includes fish (especially small fish), invertebrates, cephalopods like sepia, and various zoobenthos organisms. The eel’s powerful jaws and sharp teeth are well-adapted for capturing and consuming its prey, often ambushing them from hidden locations within their preferred habitats.
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