Gymnothorax nudivomer (Günther, 1867)
Yellowmouth moray
Gymnothorax nudivomer
photo by Ho, H.-C.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  180 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 271 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and Transkei, South Africa (Ref. 3257) to the Hawaiian and Marquesan islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Large individuals; body dark yellow-brown numerous, smaller than pupil-sized spots that become small and numerous anteriorly, but large and widely spaced posteriorly (Ref. 48635). Yellow inside the mouth (Ref. 30404, 48635). This species has a relatively short, blunt snout; the larger specimens lack vomerine teeth and median intermaxillary teeth; the largest teeth are finely serrate; and jaws not arched, even in large specimens (Ref. 74922).
Biology:  Mainly in oceanic locations (Ref. 48635). Adults are found inhabiting inner and outer reef slopes (Ref. 30404). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Mucus is toxic (Ref. 1602).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  poisonous to eat


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