Scientists Make Underworld Discovery: New Species of Moray Eel Named After Hades
A newly found moray eel, named after the god of the underworld, burrows tail-first and shuns the light—revealing a creature unlike any other! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Science #Animals
ST. PAUL, MN – A new species of moray eel has surfaced from the depths of the sea—and it’s not your average fish. Found in the murky, dark waters of river mouths across the Central Indo-Pacific, this eel’s eerie appearance and burrowing habits have earned it a name straight from Greek mythology: Hades’ snake moray. With its unusual tail-first burrowing behavior and sensitivity to light, this species is setting itself apart from the rest of the eel family.
The Accidental Discovery
The Hades’ snake moray (Uropterygius hades) was discovered almost by accident. While conducting a survey of aquatic life in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River cave, researchers from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan were actually searching for a different eel species—the bean-eyed snake moray.
Instead, they found a slender, dark-colored moray eel exhibiting strange behavior, including burrowing tail-first and avoiding light. This behavior was a significant clue that something entirely new was lurking beneath the surface.
Uncommon Habits and Unique Traits
What makes the Hades’ snake moray stand out? Aside from its rare burrowing method, this eel is notably sensitive to light, often retreating into the darkness to hide. Its dark brown color is a departure from the more typical marine species of moray eels, which usually inhabit coral reefs or rocky coastal environments.
The eel’s preference for freshwater habitats—especially in estuarine environments—makes it a rare find. Of the 230 known species of moray eels, only one other has been confirmed to thrive in freshwater.
Expanding the Known Range of Moray Eels
This new species has been found in several locations across the Central Indo-Pacific region, including southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji.
Researchers are still working to fully understand the range of the Hades’ snake moray, but so far, its preference for muddy river mouths suggests that this eel is far more adaptable than most of its relatives, which are typically confined to saltwater environments.
In naming the eel, the research team, led by Wen-Chien Huang, was inspired by Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Hades in the movie Clash of the Titans, tying the eel’s dark and elusive nature to the Greek god of the underworld. This discovery adds another fascinating chapter to the story of the world’s moray eels, expanding our understanding of their adaptability and behavior in unexpected environments.
RELATED TOPICS: Animals | Science
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