Abstract
The paper is the first record of the occurrence of the Pink Lipped Moray Eel, Echidna rhodochilus (Bleeker 1863), from India. The current specimen was caught from the mangrove creeks of Carbyn’s Cove, South Andaman. This species is known so far from Western Pacific and southeastern Indian Ocean up to Australia and Indonesia. The present study indicates that there are more studies to be conducted on the ichthyofauna of these islands for a better understanding of the biodiversity of this area.
Highlights
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have unique ecosystems, mainly contributed by coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and seaweed beds as shelters and feeding grounds for many species
The fish diversity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is of special interest in terms of marine zoogeography because of the confluence in the fishes of Andaman Sea with those of the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean [1]
Most of them exclusively in marine, but several species are regularly seen in brackish water, and a few can sometimes be found in fresh water
Summary
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have unique ecosystems, mainly contributed by coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and seaweed beds as shelters and feeding grounds for many species. Most of them exclusively in marine, but several species are regularly seen in brackish water, and a few can sometimes be found in fresh water. They are mainly characterized by a very elongate muscular compressed body with a large mouth. All the species lack pectoral and pelvic fins, adding to their serpentine appearance Their eyes are rather small; morays rely on their highly developed sense of smell, lying in wait to ambush prey. 20 species of muraenids have been reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, representing 8 genera (Echidna, Muraena, Gymnomuraena, Gymnothorax, Rhinomuraena, Scuticaria, Strophidon, and Uropterygius). Echidna nebulosa was the only species from the genus Echidna previously reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands [1]
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