Murene

Murene are moray eels, a group of elongated marine fishes belonging to the family Muraenidae within the order Anguilliformes. They comprise several genera, notably Gymnothorax and Muraena, and are found across tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. Murene are characterized by long, snake-like bodies, a broad head, and a continuous dorsal fin that runs much of the length of the body, merging with the caudal and anal fins. They lack pelvic and pectoral fins and have thick, mucus-coated skin with small, embedded scales.

Habitat and behavior vary among species, but murene commonly reside in crevices of coral reefs, rocky ledges, and seaward walls, where they hide during the day and emerge at night to hunt. They are carnivorous, feeding on fish, octopuses, crustaceans, and mollusks. Their teeth are sharp and backward-curved, and many species possess a second set of pharyngeal jaws that helps move prey into the throat. Murene have relatively poor eyesight in dim environments and rely more on their sense of smell and touch.

Most murene are solitary and nocturnal, though some species may form loose associations on occasion. In some reef systems, they participate in mutualistic or commensal relationships with other animals, such as groupers or cleaner fishes, depending on the local ecology.

Reproduction occurs mainly through external fertilization, with eggs released into the water column and developing into leptocephalus larvae that drift with currents. Murene can live for many years, with growth varying by species. Human interactions include fishing for food and, in some regions, the aquarium trade; bites can be painful and may lead to infection, so they should be approached with caution. Conservation status varies by species and region.