The brown speckled eel or Steindachner's moray eel is locally known as Puhi in Hawaii.[1][2]Gymnothorax steindachneri, is a moray eel found in coral reefs in the eastern central Pacific Ocean, around Hawaii.[3] It was first named by Jordan and Evermann in 1903.[3] This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is rare in shallow reefs around the main Hawaiian Islands but are commonly found in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands only ranging as far as south of Oahu. [4]
The Steindachner's moray eel has almost like a cone shaped head that includes straight jaws.[5] This moray eel is also colored cream with brown spots including lines on the throat.[5] In addition, near their gills area, they include dark spots and their fins are also outlined in white. Lastly, The Steindachner’s Moray Eel can also grow up to 3 feet. [5]
Distribution and Habitat:
DISTRIBUTION- The Steindachner’s Moray Eel is endemic to Hawaii and can be found from Oahu and stretches out to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. [6]
HABITAT- The Steindachner’s Moray Eel, they are often found in shallow reefs with depths up to 15-100 feet or around 5-30 meters.[7]
Diet and Behavior:
BEHAVIOR- Steindachner's Moray Eels mostly hide under rocks or caves during the day but at night is when they come out to hunt for food. [8]
DIET- Steindachner’s Moray Eels are predatory fishes that hunt and eat small fishes and crustaceans.[8] For example, they eat fishes such as shrimps or crabs and other small invertebrates. [8]
Cultural Significance:
Moray eels including the Steindachner's Moray Eels all play a role in oceanic life.[9] Due to moray eels including the Steindachner's Eel being predatory fishes, they are part of the food web which means that they also help maintain the food web too.[9] This helps keep the ecosystem healthy and balanced.[9] Moray Eels such as Steindachner's Moray Eel are health indicators to the reefs, meaning that a reef is healthy if the Eels are also part of it.[9] Due to how these Eels are endemic to Hawaii, it’s important to keep this species alive and thriving for Hawaii’s unique marine diversity. [9]
References
↑Hoover, John P.; Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN978-1-56647-887-8.
↑Hoover, John P.; Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN978-1-56647-887-8.
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