Needle-tooth moray
📖 Overview
This species inhabits exposed seaward reefs to a depth of 14 m or more . Benthic . Solitary in crevices, rarely seen (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0; Vertebrae: 102 - 119. Teeth biserial. : eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Needle-tooth moray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Needle-tooth moray is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Needle-tooth moray is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 14 m . Tropical; 32°N - 18°S north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian islands.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Needle-tooth moray is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 105 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Needle-tooth moray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anarchias knighti | Jordan & Starks | 1906 | Synonym |
| Gymnomuraena macrocephalus | Bleeker | 1864 | Synonym |
| Gymnomuraena nectura | Jordan & Gilbert | 1882 | Synonym |
| Uropterygius knighti | Jordan & Starks | 1906 | Synonym |
| Uropterygius makatei | Gosline | 1958 | Synonym |
| Uropterygius necturus | Jordan & Gilbert | 1882 | Synonym |
| Uropterygius reidi | Schultz | 1943 | Synonym |
| Uropterygus macrocephalus | Bleeker | 1864 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 16 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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