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Trees- ShrubsMediterranean Moray (Muraena helena)
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Muraena helena, the Mediterranean Moray Eel has a snake-like body form, compressed laterally and can grow up to 150cm long. M. helena does not have pectoral or ventral fins however the dorsal and anal fins run the length of the body, fusing with the caudal fin, essentially forming one fin. The head is pointed with small eyes and two small, round branchial orifices, or ears. The jaw is large, extending past the eyes. M. helena is brown in colouration, marbled with yellow and white (1).
Their skin can be made into leather and in Ancient Rome chairs dressed in M. helena skin were highly desirable and appreciated (1).
Found in rock and coral habitats between depths of 15 to 50m (3).
M. helena reproduce in the warm hydrological season (2), however it is not known where.
Found throughout the Mediterranean (1).
The Mediterranean moray is nocturnal and territorial, sheltering in rocky crevices during the day (1).
M. helena feed on crustaceans, cephalopods and fish (1).
Not Evaluated under the IUCN Redlist (4).
Description written by Sarah Marjoram (2009)
(1) Gothel, H., 1996. Muraena helena L., 1758. Murene de Mediterrannee. In Gothel, H. Guide de la faune sous-marine: La Mediterranee. Invertebres et poissons. Paris: Les Editions Eugen Ulmer. p.240.
(2) Grassi, B., 1913. Metamorfosi dei Murenoidi. Ricerche sistematiche ed ecologiche. p.x + 211. Prima monogr. 15 pl.
(3) Schneider, W., 1990. FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Field guide to the commercial marine resources of the Gulf of Guinea. Rome: FAO.
(4) IUCN, 2009. 2009 IUCN red list of threatened species. [Online] Available at: www.iucnredlist.org [Accessed 18 June 2009].
