The Hades’ snake moray (Uropterygius hades) is a newly discovered species of moray eel that inhabits the dim, muddy waters of river mouths in the Central Indo-Pacific. This slender, dark brown eel, named after Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, reflects its burrowing behavior and low-light habitat. Its discovery was accidental, as researchers from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan were initially seeking another eel species in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River but instead encountered this distinct moray eel. Unlike most of the 230 moray eel species, which predominantly live in marine environments, Uropterygius hades is notably adapted to estuarine habitats, a rarity among morays.
The species exhibits unique adaptations, such as tail-first burrowing and heightened sensitivity to light, often trying to hide when exposed. Its small eyes suggest it relies on chemoreception rather than vision for hunting and evasion. This discovery emphasizes the ecological diversity and adaptability of moray eels and opens the door for further research into their evolution and behaviors, as detailed by the research team in the open-access journal ZooKeys.
