Gymnothorax taiwanensis Chen, Loh & Shao, 2008
Taiwanese moray eel
photo by Chen, H.M./Loh, K.H.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  53.1 cm TL (male/unsexed); 53.9 cm TL (female); max.weight: 262.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Taiwan.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 117-121. This moderately sized moray is distinguished by having the anus behind the mid-body; short jaws; stout teeth, with vomerine teeth biserial; body color brownish with pale thin reticular pattern; when fresh with yellowish mucus on skin surface; darkish tips or rims on nostrils; orange irises; mean vertebral formula 5-55-119 (Ref. 79874).
Biology:  Occurs in shallow reef and rocky shorelines, benthic. Feeds mainly on crustaceans and small fishes. All female specimens were found with ripe ovaries with ova measuring about 0.8-1.0 mm in diameter. Spawning apparently occurs near or from July- August (Ref. 79874).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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