Kaupichthys hyoproroides (Strömman, 1896) False moray |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Chlopsidae (False morays) | |||
Max. size: | 30 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 95 m | |||
Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesas and Society islands, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands; throughout Micronesia. Western Atlantic: southeastern Florida (USA), Bahamas, and Yucatan, Mexico to the Antilles (Ref. 26340) and Venezuela (Ref. 7251). However, according to Tighe, the Indo-Pacific species Kaupichthys diodontus, may be distinct from Kaupichthys hyproroides of the Atlantic (Ref. 11303). | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Greenish brown above, lighter below (Ref. 3251). | |||
Biology: | A benthic and solitary species (Ref. 26340) occurring in and around coral reefs and rocky shores. Also Ref. 58302. | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |