The turkey moray (Gymnothorax meleagris),also known as the guineafowl moray or as the white-mouth/whitemouth moray is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae.

Turkey moray
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Muraenidae
Genus: Gymnothorax
Species:
G. meleagris
Binomial name
Gymnothorax meleagris
(G. Shaw, 1795)

Description

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The turkey moray is a medium size moray which can reach a maximum length of 120 cm, but specimens usually encountered are much smaller.[2] Its serpentine in shape body has a dark brown to black background color dotted with numerous small white spots uniformly distributed. The inside of its mouth is completely white.[3]

 
Gymnothorax meleagris

Distribution and habitat

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The white-mouth moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, until Polynesia and Hawaii and from south Japan to New Caledonia.[4] This is a relatively rare moray even within its distribution area except in Hawaii, where it seems to be common.[5]

It likes shallow waters from lagoons and reefs rich in coral and fish life until 36 meters (118 feet) deep,[6] spending time in holes in the reef to quickly emerge to grasp passing fish by surprise attack. They sense prey by detecting smell through the water.

Biology

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The turkey moray seems to be equally active day and night and feeds on small fish and occasionally crustaceans.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Smith, D.G.; McCosker, J.; Tighe, K. (2019). "Gymnothorax meleagris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T195754A2412930. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T195754A2412930.en.
  2. ^ Myers, R.F., 1991. Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p.
  3. ^ "Gymnothorax meleagris". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  4. ^ Myers, R.F. 1991 Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p.
  5. ^ "Gymnothorax meleagris | DORIS".
  6. ^ Kuiter, R.H., 1998. Photo guide to fishes of the Maldives. Atoll Editions, Victoria, Australia. 257 p.
  7. ^ Hobson, E.S., 1974. Feeding relationships of teleostean fishes on coral reefs in Kona, Hawaii. Fish. Bull. 72(4):915-1031.
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