Muraenidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 665 words | Copyright

Muraenidae (moray eel; subclass Actinopterygii, order Anguilliformes) A large family of marine, eel-like fish that have a slightly compressed, scaleless body, well-developed dorsal and anal fins, but no pectoral or pelvic fins. Many species exhibit colourful markings in the skin. Usually found in cracks and crevices between rocks near the sea-bottom, they can be very aggressive when handled. Muraena helena (Greek moray), 1.1 m, was a food fish well known to the Romans. Some species are very large, e.g. Thyrsoidea macrura (long-tailed reef-eel), 4.1 m, of northern Australia. There are about 100 species, distributed world-wide in tropical to temperate waters.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Muraenidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Muraenidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Muraenidae.html

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