Ribbon Eel

The Ribbon Eel can easily be recognized by its hugely expanded anterior nostrils.

Juveniles and subadults are jet black with a yellow dorsal fin. Females are yellow with a black anal fin and white margins on the fins. Adult males are blue with much of the snout and lower jaw yellow.

The species grows to 1.3 m in length.

It is usually seen in burrows in sandy or benthic areas adjacent to coral reefs.

The Ribbon Eel occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-west Pacific.

In Australia it is known from the offshore islands of north-western Western Australia and the Barrier Reef, Queensland.

It has also been called the Ribbon Moray.