Mosaic Moray, Enchelycore ramosa (Griffin, 1926)

Scientific name: Enchelycore ramosa
Mosaic Moray, Enchelycore ramosa Click to enlarge image
A Mosaic Moray at a depth of 15m, "Spot A", off Latitude Rock, Forster, New South Wales, September 2002. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Species
    ramosa
    Genus
    Enchelycore
    Family
    Muraenidae
    Order
    Anguilliformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 1.5 m in length.

Introduction

The Mosaic Moray has a long snout with curved jaws and needle-like teeth. The species occurs on rocky reefs in subtropical to warm temperate marine waters of the South Pacific.

Identification

The Mosaic Moray has a long snout with curved jaws. There are many needle-like teeth that are visible when the mouth is closed. It is yellow to grey with a mosaic pattern of darker lines.

Habitat

The Mosaic Moray is found on rocky reefs.

Distribution

The Mosaic Moray occurs in subtropical to warm temperate marine waters of the South Pacific. In Australia it is only known from New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island).

Ozcam map of Mosaic Moray specimens in the Australian Museums. http://ozcam.ala.org.au/occurrences/search?q=enchelycore%20ramosa&zoom=off#mapView

Feeding and diet

It feeds at night on fishes and crustaceans.

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.