Uropterygius
A genus of moray eels in the family Muraenidae.
Uropterygius is a genus within the moray eel family Muraenidae. Its members are often called snake morays or reef-eels. The genus contains over twenty recognized species, including the Unicolor snake moray, the Blotched moray, the Brown spotted snake moray, Hades' snake moray, the Drab snake moray, the Barlip reef-eel, the Needle-tooth moray, the Marbled moray, the Marbled reef-eel, the Tidepool snake moray, the Large-spotted snake moray, the Many-spotted moray, the Many-toothed snake moray, the Two-holes moray, the Freckleface reef-eel, and the Black snake moray. One species formerly placed here, *Uropterygius cantonensis*, is now classified under the genus *Anarchias*.
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Recognized species
- 20
- Earliest described species year
- 1803
- Most recently described species year
- 2024
Lore & Background
The genus Uropterygius was established by Rüppell in 1838 with the species Uropterygius concolor, known as the Unicolor snake moray. Over time, many other species have been added, including Uropterygius cyamommatus described in 2023 and Uropterygius hades described in 2024. The genus contains 20 currently recognized species, with common names such as Blotched moray, Brown spotted snake moray, and Marbled reef-eel. One species formerly included in this genus, Anarchias cantonensis, was previously known as Uropterygius cantonensis.
Reader's Guide
Uropterygius is a genus within the family Muraenidae, comprising 20 recognized species as listed in the source article. The genus was first described with Uropterygius concolor in 1838, and new species continue to be described, such as Uropterygius hades in 2024. The species exhibit a range of common names, including snake morays and reef-eels, reflecting their diverse appearances and habitats. The genus also includes species described by notable ichthyologists such as Bleeker, Regan, and Schultz. One species, Anarchias cantonensis, was formerly placed in Uropterygius, indicating taxonomic revisions within the family. The article provides a comprehensive list of species, their authors, and years of description, serving as a reference for the diversity and ongoing study of this moray eel genus.
Did You Know?
- Uropterygius is a genus of moray eels in the family Muraenidae.
- There are currently 20 recognized species in this genus.
- The most recently described species is Uropterygius hades, described in 2024.
- One species formerly included in this genus is Anarchias cantonensis, previously known as Uropterygius cantonensis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uropterygius?
Uropterygius is a genus of moray eels in the family Muraenidae, best known for its members' slender, snake-like build. Enthusiasts typically refer to these eels as snake morays or reef-eels.
How many Uropterygius species are there?
There are more than twenty recognized species in the genus, including well-known names like the Unicolor snake moray, Hades' snake moray, and the Black snake moray.
What do people call Uropterygius eels outside of scientific literature?
In the hobby and among reef-keeping communities, these eels are most commonly known as snake morays or reef-eels.
How old is the Uropterygius genus in terms of taxonomy?
The first species in the genus was formally described in 1803, and the group has continued to grow, with the most recent addition recognized as late as 2024.
Where does Uropterygius fit in the moray eel family tree?
Uropterygius is one genus within the broader family Muraenidae, which encompasses all recognized moray eels.
More in Moray Eels 1-24
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