Gymnothorax microstictus Böhlke, 2000
Smallspot moray
Gymnothorax microstictus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 5 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu; Philippines south to Australia (Ref 90102).
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 113-121. Description: Characterized by reddish drown color; ventral part of head and belly, white with dense covering of darker brown spots on head, body and fins; body depth at gill opening 13-20 in TL; origin of dorsal fin above or anterior to first brachial pore, anterior to gill opening; anus anterior to middle of body; preanal length 2.2-2.4 in TL; without large canine teeth; triangular and smooth jaw teeth, uniserial in adult; uniserial vomerine teeth (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in coral reefs in 5-30 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from Palwan, Negros Oriental, Cuyo Islands and Cebu (Ref. 47567).


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