Wen-Chien Huang, Kelvin K. P. Lim, Heok Hui Tan, Jiayuan Lin & Te-Yu Liao

Abstract. The diversity of moray eels (family Muraenidae) in Singapore is reviewed. A total of 14 species from two subfamilies and four genera, including an unidentified species of Uropterygius Rüppell, 1838, are recognised as locally extant based on specimens and photograph records. Twelve previously recorded species remain unconfirmed due to misidentifications, uncertain taxonomic status, or unreliable sources. Six species: Diaphenchelys dalmatian Hibino, Satapoomin & Kimura, 2017, Gymnothorax longinquus (Whitley, 1948), G. pseudothyrsoideus (Bleeker,
1853), G. thyrsoideus (Richardson, 1845), Strophidon dorsalis (Seale, 1917), and S. tetraporus Huang & Liao, 2020 are herein recorded for the first time in Singaporean waters. DNA barcoding is provided for 10 species, including newly provided COI sequences for G. herrei Beebe & Tee-Van, 1933. A rare hybrid of G. pseudothyrsoideus and G. reevesii (Richardson, 1845) is reported for the first time in this region. The latest insights, based on morphological and molecular data, are provided for each species and their associated congeners.

Key words. checklist, DNA barcoding, hybrid, Muraeninae, Uropterygiinae, Singapore

Read article here: RBZ-2025-0038