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.

Undulated moray
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Muraenidae
Genus: Gymnothorax
Species:
G. undulatus
Binomial name
Gymnothorax undulatus
(Lacépède, 1803)

Description and biology

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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

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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

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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 , 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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b c d "Undulated Moray". Waikīkī Aquarium. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  3. ^ a b c Sutton, Alan (2017-05-07). "Undulated Moray Eel-Facts Video and Photographs". Seaunseen. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
  4. ^ "Gymnothorax undulatus". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  5. ^ a b c "Puhi – Moray Eels – Eels". Hanalei River Heritage Foundation. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  6. ^ "Milo". Te Māra Reo: The Language Garden. Benton Family Trust. 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  7. ^ See:
  8. ^ Titcomb & Pukui (1951), p. 122
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