Moray Eel

In News

• Researchers have discovered a new species of Moray Eel off the Cuddalore coast.

About

• Moray eels, or Muraenidae are a family of eels found worldwide
• They have small Eyes and they rely mostly on their highly developed sense of smell, lying in wait to ambush prey.Their body is generally patterned.
• Moray Eels occur in all tropical and subtropical seas, they live in shallow water among reefs and rocks.
• Moray eels can be found in both freshwater habitats and saltwater habitats.
• They are known for two types of jaws: one is regular (oral) jaws with big teeth and the second jaw is called the pharyngeal jaw (which drags prey inside the eels stomach).

• This newly discovered species has been named after Tamil Nadu as Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis with common name as Tamil Nadu brown moray.

Source: IE