Reticulated Moray

Muraena retifera is a moray eel with pharyngeal jaws. It is part of the Muraena genus.

Description

It has a reticulated pattern of light brown blotches on dark brown background. Dark grey-brown, head, body and fins with a network pattern of pale spots or rosettes peppered with small white spots. Gill opening in a black blotch. Body is elongate. Anus is at or before mid-body. Snout is moderate, more or less conical. Jaws are not arched, mouth completely closable. Both nostrils are tubular, about same size, rear one over front edge of eye. Jaw teeth are smooth, large, slender, in single row on each jaw, 3 in center top front of mouth, usually 1 row on roof of mouth. Dorsal origin is on head, before gill opening. Gill opening a small slit on mid- side.

Distribution

Western Atlantic: New England to Florida in USA and Gulf of Mexico. Yucatan and Venezuela.

Habitat

It is found mainly on mud, sand and rocky bottoms.