Uropterygius kamar McCosker & Randall, 1977
Barlip reef-eel
Uropterygius kamar
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Uropterygiinae
Max. size:  37 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 55 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Sodwana Bay, South Africa. Range extends to Oeno Atoll, north to Marshall Islands; Palau and the southern Marshalls in Micronesia (Ref. 1602).
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 137-143. This species occurs in two color morphs; dentition is multiserial. Description: Characterized by reddish brown to dark brown color, with pale mottling or uniform and irregular white spots, and short bars on head; body depth at gill opening 26 in TL; rudimentary fins; anus well anterior to middle of body; preanal length 2.4-2.5 in TL; three rows of upper jaw teeth, small and close-set outer row; inner rows with recurved canines; middle of front of upper jaw with the largest canine; lower jaw with three rows of teeth anteriorly, two rows along side of jaw, inner row as canines (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Lies over coral rubble bottoms (Ref. 1602).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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