That's A Moray Monday

What rhymes with purple? Nothing, that's what! So while I wished for a cutesy rhyming subtitle to this week's purple Moray Monday feature, I'll just have to cut right to the chase.

Purplemouth Moray
Gymnothorax vicinus

Observed at depths in excess of 100 meters, the Purplemouth moray is an almost delicate, graceful-looking eel. Its appearance varies from mottled greenish or brown overall coloration, often exhibiting darker flecks along the body. The eels anal and caudal fins have white margins that continue onto the rear third (and sometimes entire length) of the dorsal fin. With a name like "purplemouth" you might half expect a brilliant shade of royal purple to be present. To be honest, the images I've found online don't show a pronounced purple hue. Obviously, the species is not much for showy theatrics.

The species ranges from the western subtropical Atlantic (Bermuda, southern Florida, and the Bahamas) to Brazil. In the eastern Atlantic, the Purplemouth moray has been observed in the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and islands of the Bay of Biafra (although it is not verified that the species has been observed in the field by Jello Biafra).

Like most morays, the Purplemouth is a benthic and solitary species inhabiting rocky shores and reefs where water is clear. It has been observed to be most active at night, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. Apparently because of its graceful appearance and purplish blush, the species is heavily targeted for the marine aquarium trade. Likely due to a preponderance of aquarium collection, the Purplemouth moray has a higher than expected incidence rate of aggressive biting. Most online info sources state that the species may cause serious wounds. Considering the eventual life of quiet desperation in some marine aquarium in Peoria, I say "Good on you, Purplemouth!"