DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

MURAENIDAE (MORAY EELS)

       The morays are a diverse group of eels characterized by relatively stout, muscular bodies, the absence of pectoral and pelvic fins, and the presence of numerous teeth.  Most have long, sharp canine teeth and feed primarily on fishes; a few have short, rounded teeth and feed on crusta- ceans and molluscs.  Morays, in general, are secretive, remaining hidden within holes and crevices, and are much more abundant than casual observation indicates.  Most species will bite if provoked.  A few attain a large size and are capable of inflicting serious wounds.  Morays are edible, but large individuals are often ciguatoxic.  In a particularly noteworthy inci- dent on Saipan, 57 people became ill from eating one large eel; 14 became comatose and two died.  At least 44 species of morays are known from Guam.

Echnida nebulosa (Ahl)
Gymnothorax javanicus (Bleeker)
Gymnothorax meleagris (Shaw)
Siderea thyrsoidea (Richardson)