![]() The stout moray (Gymnothorax eurostus) is a species that feeds on both benthic fish and invertebrates (namely crustaceans). This species uses the pebblelike teeth in its jaws to crush crabs. A classic invertebrate-eater is the banded moray (Echidna polyzona). This moray has smaller teeth on the sides of the jaws and sharp, daggerlike dentition running along the roof of the mouth. A classic fish-eater is the purplemouth moray (Gymnothorax vicinus). When it comes to their food habits, morays can be classified into one of three general categories: mainly fish-eaters, mainly invertebrate-eaters and those that feed almost equally on fish and invertebrates. While some morays have fanglike dentition (e.g., dragon moray ), there are other species that possess molarlike teeth (e.g., zebra moray ) that are perfectly adapted to crushing hard-shelled invertebrates (e.g., crustaceans, snails, sea urchins). While the color of some morays is dull and monochromatic, there are other species that sport dramatic patterns that include bands, spots and/or mottling. ![]() The mouth remains open as they pump water over the gills with the muscles in the gill cavity. Although it looks menacing, it is simply how morays respire. Morays almost always have their mouths open. A few morays (e.g., yellowmouth moray ) are known to exude a toxic slime that may dissuade parasites from attaching to them. Morays lack scales, but instead, they exude large amounts of body slime to protect themselves from parasites. All are characterized by a lack of pectoral and pelvic fins gill openings that consist of small holes with no bony cover large, toothy jaws and dorsal and anal fins that are continuous around the tail. This genus is comprised of around 16 genera and approximately 200 species. Moray eels belong to the family Muraenidae. In this article, I will discuss how to set up a moray tank and detail their general care requirements. But because this group of eels is quite diverse, care should be taken to get a moray that is right for your aquarium. In fact, there are a number of species that are a great choice for the beginning marine aquarists. Maybe it is this same attraction to the atypical that draws a guild of marine aquarists to members of the family Muraenidae - the morays.Īlthough not for everyone, many of the morays make outstanding aquarium pets. ![]() We are transfixed by “reality” programs that enter eclectic shops selling shrunken skulls, torture devices and mummified pets. ![]() We watch people consume freakish foods that make us squeamish. We take in shows about ghoulish parasites that eat us from the inside out. Close & amp amp amp lt img height="1" width="1" border="0" alt="" src=" amp amp amp amp amp random=1389212343697& amp amp amp amp cv=7& amp amp amp amp fst=1389212343697& amp amp amp amp num=1& amp amp amp amp fmt=1& amp amp amp amp guid=ON& amp amp amp amp u_h=768& amp amp amp amp u_w=1366& amp amp amp amp u_ah=728& amp amp amp amp u_aw=1366& amp amp amp amp u_cd=24& amp amp amp amp u_his=10& amp amp amp amp u_tz=-300& amp amp amp amp u_java=false& amp amp amp amp u_nplug=11& amp amp amp amp u_nmime=27& amp amp amp amp frm=1& amp amp amp amp url=https%3A///> & amp amp lt div style="display:inline "> & amp amp lt img height="1" width="1" style="border-style:none " alt="" src="//googleads.g.doubleclick.Turn on your TV, and click around the various nature, history and science channels, and it will soon become evident that we have an appetite for the bizarre. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |