Life Sciences Commons^™

Gymnothorax Shaoi, A New Species Of Moray Eel (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) From Southeastern Taiwan, Hong-Ming Chen, Kar-Hoe Loh

Journal of Marine Science and Technology

A new species of moray eel, Gymnothorax shaoi, is described here based on ten specimens collected in southeastern Taiwan. The new muraenid is distinct from its most similar species, Gymnothorax fimbriatus, in the character combinations of having brown body color, dark brown spots in at least three rows on body side and spots on posterior dorsal and caudal fin not forming oblique streaks; paler rictus, jaws, and inner mouth; fins without pale margins; no bend in lower jaw; fewer total vertebrae; and smaller in maximum body size. G. shaoi’s eyes have yellow to orange irises, body with dark reddish brown …