New species of Moray eel discovered off Cuddalore coast named after Tamil Nadu

Source: The post is based on the article “New species of Moray eel discovered off Cuddalore coast named after Tamil Nadu” published in The Hindu on 27th March 2023.

What is the News?

Researchers have discovered a new species of Moray eel off the Cuddalore coast (Tamil Nadu).It has been named as Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis.

What is Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis?

Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis is a new species of Moray eel.

This is the first-ever record of this genus, Gymnothorax, collected through an exploration survey conducted along the coastal waters of Cuddalore.

About 28 species of Gymnothorax have been documented in Indian waters so far. This discovery increases the total number of species of Gymnothorax to 29.

What are Moray eels?

Moray eels, or Muraenidae are a family of eels found worldwide

Moray Eels are found in all tropical and subtropical seas, they live in shallow water among reefs and rocks.

Moray eels can be found in both freshwater habitats and saltwater habitats.

They are known for two types of jaws: one is regular (oral) jaws with big teeth and the second jaw is called the pharyngeal jaw (which drags prey inside the eels stomach).