Kaupichthys hyoproroides (Strömman, 1896)
False moray
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chlopsidae (False morays)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 95 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesas and Society islands, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands; throughout Micronesia. Western Atlantic: southeastern Florida (USA), Bahamas, and Yucatan, Mexico to the Antilles (Ref. 26340) and Venezuela (Ref. 7251). However, according to Tighe, the Indo-Pacific species Kaupichthys diodontus, may be distinct from Kaupichthys hyproroides of the Atlantic (Ref. 11303).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Greenish brown above, lighter below (Ref. 3251).
Biology:  A benthic and solitary species (Ref. 26340) occurring in and around coral reefs and rocky shores. Also Ref. 58302.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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