Kingdom Animalia Order Anguilliformes Genus Gymnothorax Higher classification Gymnothorax | Phylum Chordata Family Muraenidae Scientific name Gymnothorax kidako Rank Species | |
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Similar Eel, Moray eel, Gymnothorax, Turkey moray, Gymnothorax melatremus | ||
The Kidako moray (Gymnothorax kidako) is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae.
Contents
Description
The Kidako moray is a medium size fish which can reach a maximum length of 91 cm. Its serpentine in shape body has a white cream to light brown-yellowish background color spread with tree-like brown pattern.
Distribution and habitat
The Kidako moray is widespread throughout the western to central Ocean Pacific area from Taiwan to Polynesia, Hawaii included, and from south Japan to New-Caledonia.
It usually resides in crevices in shallow reefs. Sometimes the Kidako moray, which is quite common in some area in Japan, is used for food, so is included in some minor commercial fisheries.
Biology
The Kidako moray is carnivorous, it leaves its lair at night to actively hunt its preys along the reef. It feeds mainly on small fish and cephalopods.