Leopard Moray Eel

Leopard Moray Eel

Description of the Leopard Moray Eel
The Leopard Moray Eel is also known as the Hawaiian Dragon Eel or Dragon Moray Eel. It is a nocturnal animal and lives in caves, rock ledges and crevices on the sea bed preferring warm temperate waters.

Profile of the Leopard Moray Eel
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Leopard Moray Eel species.

• Size: Up to 92cm 

• Diet / Feeding: Fish and cephalopods

• Temperament: Secretive, very rarely seen in its natural habitat

• Habitat: Depths of up to 60m

• Range: Indo-Pacific Oceans

Scientific Classification of the Leopard Moray Eel
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Enchelycore pardalis

• Popular Name: Leopard Moray Eel - Hawaiian Dragon Eel - Dragon Moray Eel

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Anguilliformes

• Family: Muraenidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Leopard Moray Eel?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Leopard Moray Eel slimy?
Leopard Moray Eel secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Leopard Moray Eel to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Leopard Moray Eel have gills?
Gills enable the Leopard Moray Eel to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Leopard Moray Eel have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Leopard Moray Eel has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Leopard Moray Eel has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Leopard Moray Eel has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Leopard Moray Eel has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Leopard Moray Eel