The Drab Moray, Plain Moray Eel, or Monotone Moray, scientifically known as Gymnothorax monochrous, is a species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. This eel is characterized by its plain, often drab coloration, hence its common names.
Description & Characteristics
The Gymnothorax monochrous is a relatively small moray eel, reaching a maximum size of 80.0 cm. It features a slender body with a long, cylindrical head and a slightly compressed tail. Its most notable characteristic is its uniform coloration, typically a pale brown or grayish-white, with no markings or patterns. This lack of distinct coloration gives it a drab or monotone appearance, justifying its common names.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Drab Moray is an inhabitant of coral reefs, rocky reefs, and other inshore habitats. It is typically found in depths ranging from 1.0 to 20.0 meters, inhabiting both the shallow reef flats and deeper reef slopes. This species prefers marine zones, including the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific. Its distribution encompasses various localities within this broad area, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Gymnothorax monochrous belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Anguilliformes, and Family: Muraenidae. The Teleostei class includes the majority of ray-finned fishes, while Anguilliformes comprises eels, and the Muraenidae family specifically encompasses moray eels.
Feeding
The Gymnothorax monochrous is a predatory fish, feeding primarily on a diet of invertebrates. These invertebrates include a variety of crustaceans, mollusks, and other small marine animals. The eel uses its powerful jaws and sharp teeth to capture and consume its prey, playing an important role in the food chain within its habitat.
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