Yellowmouth Moray, Gymnothorax nudivomer (Playfair & Gunther, 1867)

Introduction

The inside of the mouth of the Yellowmouth Moray is bright yellow and the gill openings are surrounded by a dark blotch. The species occurs widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific.

Identification

The Yellowmouth Moray can be recognised by its colouration. It is light brown with white spots anteriorly, becoming darker posteriorly. The inside of the mouth is bright yellow and the gill openings are surrounded by a dark blotch.

The species has teeth arranged in a single compressed row in both jaws. Some of the teeth at the front of the upper jaw are enlarged.

Distribution

It is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific. In Australia it is known from tropical waters of Western Australia and from the Great Barrier Reef to northern New South Wales.

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. Bohlke, 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. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.