Diaphenchelys pelonates McCosker & Randall, 2007
Mud-dwelling moray
Diaphenchelys pelonates
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Muraenidae (Moray eels), subfamily: Muraeninae
Max. size:  46.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 15 - 32 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 155-155. This species is small, elongate, slender, brown moray has white spots and vermiculations on the head behind the rictus and extends into the anterior trunk; pale margins posteriorly on fins; anus before midbody; length of preanal 2.5-2.6 in TL; gill opening depth 33-35 in TL; head 10-11 in TL; short snout, rear margin of orbit above middle or eye; jaws moderately long, not recurved; conical teeth, some needle-like; biserial maxillary teeth, those on outer row smaller and closely spaced; mostly uniserial mandibular teeth, outer row smaller and closely spaced; MVF 6/56/154 (Ref,. 75775).
Biology:  Found on mud bottom with scattered rocks in 15-32 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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