Morays

The body

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THESE may be distinguished from all other eels by the small round gill-openings and by the absence of pectoral fins. The body and fins are covered by a thick leathery skin, the occipital region is elevated through the development of the strong muscles which move the lower jaw, and the jaws are usually narrow and armed with knife-like or else molar teeth.

The morays inhabit tropical and subtropical waters, and are especially abundant in crevices about coral reefs. Many of the species reach a large size, and all are voracious and pugnacious. The colouration is usually strongly marked, the colour cells being highly specialized.

a. Vertical fins well developed, the dorsal beginning before the vent.

b. Posterior nostril an oblong slit, the anterior in a short tube;

c. Teeth all, or nearly all, acute, none of those in jaws obtuse or molar-like.

d. Anterior nostrils without tube; vomerine teeth in many series; lips with a free fold; Pythonichthys

dd. Anterior nostrils each with a long tube; vomerine teeth in 1 or 2 series; lips continuous with skin of head.

e. Posterior nostrils without tube, the margin sometimes slightly raised.