Uropterygius xanthopterus Bleeker, 1859
Freckleface reef-eel
Uropterygius xanthopterus
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Uropterygiinae
Max. size:  62 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 56 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Line, Marquesan, and Society islands, north to the Mariana (Ref. 33390) and Marshall islands.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 120-121. Mottled brown with prominent white specks especially on the head (Ref. 3257). Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 25-30 in TL; rudimentary fins; anus anterior to middle of body; gill opening on upper third of side; slender and sharp jaw teeth in two rows, longer inner teeth (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in crevices of shallow reefs, as well as drop-offs (Ref. 1602). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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