Two new records of moray eels representing genera Gymnothorax and Strophidon (Actinopterygii: Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from the Philippines

Abstract

In this study, we report the collection of moray eel species Gymnothorax nudivomer (Günther, 1867) and Strophidon dorsalis (Seale, 1917) from the Western Visayas region, Philippines. Both represent new records for the country. A single specimen of G. nudivomer measuring 619 mm total length (TL) was collected from Iloilo Fish Port Complex, Iloilo and a specimen of S. dorsalis measuring 777 mm TL was collected from the fish market of Batan, Aklan. Detailed morphological descriptions and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcode sequences are provided. A comprehensive list of geographic records for both species, as well as a list of all species representing the genera Gymnothorax and Strophidon reported in the Philippines is also provided in this report.