Enchelynassa canina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Longfang moray
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  250 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Chagos Islands and Reunion (Ref. 53568), to Panama, north to Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to Tonga and MangarĂ©va.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0; Vertebrae: 141-147. Each posterior nostril which is located in front of, and above the eye, is large and surrounded by a fleshy rim, and each anterior nostril bears a bilobed fleshy protuberance which is absent in species of Enchelycore. Description: Characterized by its reddish brown color during the day, grey at night; body depth at gill opening 11-20 in TL; origin of dorsal fin between corner of mouth and gill opening; anus near middle of body; slender and hooked jaws; visible large fang-like teeth in gap between jaws when mouth closed; two rows of jaw teeth; small and sharp outer row teeth, close to canines of inner row; three elongate canines in median row at front of upper jaw; short broad tube anterior nostril with posterior bilobed flap; large ovate opening with low rim and crenulate edge posterior nostril, midway between eye and anterior nostril (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits areas with strong surge such as benches, outer reef flats and reef fronts (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Very secretive during the day; feeds on fishes and octopi at night (Ref. 9710). May bite by accident or when provoked.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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