Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus (Bleeker, 1853)
Highfin moray
photo by Greenfield, J.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Oman and India east to Philippines; north to Japan, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0; Vertebrae: 127-135. Color pale yellowish; dark brown spots clustering to form larger ones in about 4 irregular rows along the body. Margin of fins white in juveniles; reduced to tip of tail in adults. Vertebrae 127-135. Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 10-18 in TL; origin of dorsal fin anterior to gill opening; anus at about middle of body; canine teeth in single row in jaws are moderately large; usually with one median row of three intermaxillary canines; single row of 3-9 small teeth in vomer (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in shallow reefs, including tidepools (Ref 90102); in turbid waters with muddy substrates (B. Haze, pers.comm., 11/2023).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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