Turkey moray
| Turkey moray | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Muraenidae |
| Genus: | Gymnothorax |
| Species: | G. meleagris |
| Binomial name | |
| Gymnothorax meleagris (G. Shaw, 1795) | |
The turkey moray (Gymnothorax meleagris), also known as the guineafowl moray or as the white-mouth/whitemouth moray is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae.
Description
[edit]The turkey moray is a medium size moray which can reach a maximum length of 120 cm, but specimens usually encountered are much smaller.[2] Its serpentine in shape body has a dark brown to black background color dotted with numerous small white spots uniformly distributed. The inside of its mouth is completely white.[3]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]The white-mouth moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, until Polynesia and Hawaii and from south Japan to New Caledonia.[4] This is a relatively rare moray even within its distribution area except in Hawaii, where it seems to be common.[5]
It likes shallow waters from lagoons and reefs rich in coral and fish life until 36 meters (118 feet) deep,[6] spending time in holes in the reef to quickly emerge to grasp passing fish by surprise attack. They sense prey by detecting smell through the water.
Biology
[edit]The turkey moray seems to be equally active day and night and feeds on small fish and occasionally crustaceans.[7]
References
[edit]- ↑ Smith, D.G.; McCosker, J.; Tighe, K. (2019). "Gymnothorax meleagris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T195754A2412930. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T195754A2412930.en.
- ↑ Myers, R.F., 1991. Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p.
- ↑ "Gymnothorax meleagris". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
- ↑ Myers, R.F. 1991 Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p.
- ↑ "Gymnothorax meleagris | DORIS".
- ↑ Kuiter, R.H., 1998. Photo guide to fishes of the Maldives. Atoll Editions, Victoria, Australia. 257 p.
- ↑ Hobson, E.S., 1974. Feeding relationships of teleostean fishes on coral reefs in Kona, Hawaii. Fish. Bull. 72(4):915-1031.
External links
[edit]
- http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=217503
- http://eol.org/pages/204334/details
- http://doris.ffessm.fr/fiche2.asp?fiche_numero=1565
- http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=161210
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Gymnothorax meleagris". FishBase. June 2006 version.
- Photos of Turkey moray in the Sealife Collection
