Ribbon Eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita Garman, 1888

Scientific name: Rhinomuraena quaesita
Alternative name/s:
Ribbon Moray
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    20/04/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Ribbon Eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita Click to enlarge image
A Ribbon Eel at a depth of 10m, Off Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, 20 October 2009. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Rhinomuraena
    Species
    quaesita
    Family
    Muraenidae
    Order
    Anguilliformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 1.3 m in length.

Introduction

The Ribbon Eel can easily be recognised by its hugely expanded anterior nostrils.

Identification

The species has huge anterior nostrils.

Juveniles and subadults are jet black with a yellow dorsal fin. Females are yellow with a black anal fin and white margins on the fins. Adult males are blue with much of the snout and lower jaw yellow.

Juvenile Ribbon Eel
Male Ribbon Eel

Habitat

It is usually seen in burrows in sandy or rubbly areas adjacent to coral reefs.

Distribution

The Ribbon Eel occurs throughout the Indo-west Pacific. In Australia it is known from the offshore islands of north-western Western Australia and the Barrier Reef, Queensland.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

The Ribbon Eel is a predator.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Böhlke, E.B. & J.E. McCosker. 2001. The moray eels of Australia and New Zealand, with the description of two new species (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae). Records of the Australian Museum. 53(1): 71-102.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. in Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.