The newly discovered Hades anhinga (Uropterygius Hades) is located right in the muddy estuary. This moray eel is dark brown in color and appears to be an expert at digging. Unlike other moray eels, brightly colored The Hades moray eel primarily lives in saltwater environments and can be found in estuaries in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji. For its unique features, The study was published in the journal December 2024 Zookie.
There are approximately 230 known species of moray eels, most of which live in salty marine environments. of Freshwater moray eel (Gymnothorax Polyuranodon) It has been confirmed that they spend most of their lives in fresh water. of slender giant moray eel (Strophidon satete) and several other species are also tolerant and occasionally invade low-salinity environments such as estuaries. However, most moray eels that are specifically adapted to mixed salt and freshwater estuarine habitats are considered rare.
This new and particularly dark moral eel was also discovered by chance. Three of the study co-authors from National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan were investigating the cave. Underground river in Puerto Princesa, PhilippinesWe hope to study the aquatic fauna of the area and discover another species of cave eel. Small-eyed snake moray eel (Uropterygius chiamonmatus. I didn’t find any Moray Moray eels, but I did collect a strange, dark-colored, slender moray eel.
They took some specimens back to the lab and conducted a DNA test Find out how its genes compare to other known moray eels. When the research team observed inside the tank, The Hades snake moray dug its tail first.. This behavior is rarely seen in moray eels. It also seemed to be very sensitive to light and always tried to hide when exposed to any type of lighting. Those little eyes Adaptation to living in a low-light environment. The number of sensory pores in the head is also reduced, which the researchers believe helps prevent them from clogging.
[ Related: How citizen scientists are protecting ‘glass eels.’ ]
According to the researchers, its small, sensitive eyes and lack of sensory pores on its head suggest it may rely on its senses of smell and taste. chemoreception––They detect food changes and avoid predators by sensing chemical changes in the environment rather than by sight. This allows the eel to burrow into the mud while still finding prey and avoiding being eaten.
The new moral eel was reported by a team of scientists from Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen University, the University of the West Philippines, and Japan’s Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History. They named it after Hades. greek god of the underworldas a way to emphasize its intimidating appearance and dark, gloomy habitat. The idea was inspired by study co-author Wen-Chien Huang of National Sun Yat-sen University. Actor Ralph Fiennes played Hades in the movie clash of the titans.
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