Gymnothorax formosus Bleeker 1864

Smith, David G., 2012, A checklist of the moray eels of the world (Teleostei: Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) 3474, Zootaxa 3474, pp. 1-64 : 16-24

Gymnothorax formosus Bleeker 1864

Gymnothorax formosus Bleeker 1864a: 51 (Wahai, Ceram, Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11.28.241. [ Günther 1870: 111, first reviser]

Gymnothorax rhodocephalus Bleeker 1864a: 50 (Ambon I., Molucca Is., Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11 .28.309.

VERTEBRAE: 3–5, 56–57, 131–136 (MVF 4, 56, 133).

DISTRIBUTION: Western and central Pacific.

Gymnothorax funebris Ranzani 1839

Gymnothorax funebris Ranzani 1839: 77 [13], pl. 11[5] (figs. 2a–b) ( Brazil).

Muraena lineopinnis Richardson 1848: 89 ( Puerto Caballo , South America). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1847.5 .14.43.

Taeniophis westphali Kaup 1859 : suppl. p. 1 (Caribbean Sea). Holotype (unique), ZMH 12490.

Thyrsoidea aterrima Kaup 1859: 22 , pl. 3 (fig. 1) ( Puerto Cabello , Venezuela). Holotype, ZMH H389 .

Muraena infernalis Poey 1861: 347 , 354 ( Cuba). Holotype (unique), USNM 4808 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–7, 57–61, 137–142 (MVF 6, 60, 140).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic.

REMARKS: Although the journal containing Ranzani’s description of Gymnothorax funebris was published in 1840, a separate appeared in 1839. The description appeared there on p. 13, pl. 5.

Gymnothorax fuscomaculatus ( Schultz 1953)

Rabula fuscomaculata Schultz in Schultz et al. 1953: 147, fig. 30 (Lagoon reef at Latoback, I., Rongerik Atoll, Marshall Is., w Pacific). Holotype, USNM 141639 .

VERTEBRAE: 33–45, 45–51, 112–122 (MVF 37, 48, 117).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

G ymnothorax gracilicauda Jenkins 1903

Gymnothorax gracilicauda Jenkins 1903: 426 , fig. 6 (Reef in front of Honolulu, Oahu I., Hawaiian Is., U.S. A). Holotype (unique), USNM 50679 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 47–52, 127–135 (MVF 5, 51, 131).

DISTRIBUTION: Western and central Pacific.

Gymnothorax griseus ( Lacepède 1803)

Muraenophis grisea Lacepède (ex Commerson ) 1803: 629, 642, pl. 19 (fig. 3) ( Madagascar; New Caledonia). No types known.

Muraena geometrica Rüppell 1830: 118 , pl. 30 (fig. 1) ( Massawa , Eritrea, Red Sea). Holotype (unique), SMF 130 . Muraena bilineata Rüppell 1838: 84 (Jidda [ Jeddah ], Saudi Arabia, Red Sea). Holotype, SMF 911 .

Siderea schonlandi Smith, 1949: 109 ( Mozambique). Syntype s, SAIAB 106 , others not located .

VERTEBRAE: 3–5, 49–53, 128–138 (MVF 4, 51, 134).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Indian Ocean.

REMARKS: In his description of Siderea schonlandi , Smith stated that the species was common at three locations in Mozambique and attained over 30 inches in size, clearly indicating that he had seen more than one individual. Only a single specimen from this time period and location can be found at the SAIAB museum, however, and it is possible that Smith only kept that one.

Gymnothorax hansi Heemstra 2004

Gymnothorax hansi Heemstra 2004: 2 , figs. 1–3 (Comoro Is). Holotype, SAIAB 38673.

VERTEBRAE: ––, 82–84, 183–185.

DISTRIBUTION: Comoro Is., western Indian Ocean.

Gymnothorax hepaticus (Rüppell 1830)

Muraena hepatica Rüppell 1830: 120 (Red Sea). Holotype (unique), SMF 3554 . [ Randall and Golani, 1995: 858, first revisers]

Muraena cinerascens Rüppell 1830: 120 ( Mohila , Red Sea). Holotype (unique), SMF 3486 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–5, 57–58, 128–135 (MVF 5, 56, 131).

DISTRIBUTION: Apparently restricted to western Indian Ocean; records from Pacific probably refer to Gymnothorax monochrous .

REMARKS: Muraena hepatica and Muraena cinerascens were described in the same paper on the same page. Although hepatica has been widely used, cinerascens has seldom if ever been cited since as a valid species. Randall and Golani (1995) were apparently the first to list both names and choose one of them ( hepaticus ), hence becoming the first revisers.

Gymnothorax herrei Beebe & Tee-Van 1933

Gymnothorax brunneus Herre 1923: 212 (Analao, Batangas, Philippines, 13°45'N, 120°55'E, 0–3 m). Neotype, ANSP 164931, designated by Böhlke 2000: 404. Preoccupied by Gymnothorax brunneus Nichols 1920 .

Gymnothorax herrei Beebe & Tee-Van 1933: 138 ( Analao , Batangas, Philippines, 13°45'N, 120°55'E, 0–3 m). Neotype, ANSP 164931 , designated by Böhlke 2000: 404.

VERTEBRAE: 7–11, 45–50, 108–122 (MVF 9, 47, 114).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax hubbsi Böhlke & Böhlke 1977

Gymnothorax hubbsi Böhlke & Böhlke 1977: 238 , figs. 1–3 ( Off Cape Canaveral , Florida, U.S.A., 28°33'N, 80°03'W, 38 fm). Holotype, USNM 214833 [ex ANSP 115230 ].

VERTEBRAE: 6–8, 56–60, 133–137 (MVF 7, 58, 135).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax intesi ( Fourmanoir & Rivaton 1979)

Lycodontis intesi Fourmanoir & Rivaton 1979: 426 , fig. 16 (Lifou I., Loyalty Is., sw Pacific, 400 m). Holotype, MNHN 1980-0304 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 64–71, 149–163 (MVF 6, 68, 155).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific.

Gymnothorax isingteena (Richardson 1845)

Muraena isingteena Richardson 1845b: 108 , pl. 48 (fig. 1) ( China seas; Canton, China). Holotype, BMNH 2008.4.9.3 (lectotype designation by Böhlke & Smith 2002 invalid).

Muraena melanospilos Bleeker 1855a: 279 ( Sibogha , w Sumatra, Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11 .28.239.

Gymnothorax pescadoris Jordan & Evermann 1902: 326, fig. 8 (Kotosho, Hokoto or Pescadores Is., Taiwan). Holotype (unique), SU 12686 [ex SU 7131 ].

VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 61–62, 137–147 (MVF 5, 61, 144).

DISTRIBUTION: Western North Pacific.

REMARKS: Hatooka (2002: 1453) claimed that Muraena melanospilos is a synonym of Gymnothorax javanicus , though without giving any explanation. Böhlke and Smith (2002:126) described the holotype and placed the species in the synonymy of isingteena . The illustration of melanospilos given in Bleeker’s Atlas (1864, pl. 186, fig. 3) looks much more like isingteena than javanicus , and I follow Böhlke and Smith here in treating it as a synonym of the former. See further comments under Gymnothorax javanicus .

Gymnothorax javanicus ( Bleeker 1859)

Muraena javanica Bleeker 1859: 347 ( Patjitan , Java, Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11 .28.214.

Gymnothorax mindanoensis Borodin 1930: 43 , pl. 1 (fig. 1) (Mindanao I., Philippines). Holotype (unique), VMM 655 [not 665] (now AMNH 222125 ).

VERTEBRAE: 5–7, 57–61, 137–143 (MVF 6, 60, 141).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

REMARKS: As pointed out above, Hatooka (2002:1453) treated Muraena melanospilos Bleeker 1855 as the senior synonym of javanicus . It has already been explained why the former is considered a synonym of Gymnothorax isingteena and not of javanicus . Even if Hatooka were correct, however, Article 23.9.1 of the ICZN could be invoked to suppress such a synonymy. The name melanospilos may have appeared in print occasionally over the years, but never as a synonym of Gymnothorax javanicus . The name Gymnothorax javanicus has been used universally since its description for the well known giant moray of the Indo-Pacific, easily fulfilling the requirements of Article 23.9.1.2 (“used…in at least 25 works, published by at least 10 authors in the immediately preceding 50 years and encompassing a span of not less than 10 years.”). The same reasoning applies to Muraena pratbernon Richardson 1848 . Although the description sounds very much like G. javanicus , the name has not been used since 1899 (and earlier) and must be treated as a nomen oblitum.

Gymnothorax johnsoni ( Smith 1962)

Lycodontis johnsoni Smith 1962: 438 , pl. 56 (figs. C–D) ( Algoa Bay , South Africa, 40 fm). Holotype, SAIAB 104 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 53–57, 139–142 (MVF 5, 55, 139).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Indian Ocean.

Gymnothorax kidako ( Temminck & Schlegel 1846)

Muraena kidako Temminck & Schlegel 1846: 266 , pl. 117 (Nagasaki, Japan). Lectotype, RMNH 3957 designated by Boeseman 1947, 190.

Muraena similis Richardson 1848: 83 ( Polynesia ; Red Sea; Japan). Syntypes, BMNH 1846.2 .16.100 (1, stuffed) Japan [the described syntype]; other syntypes not extant.

Gymnothorax mucifer Snyder 1904: 519 , pl. 5 (fig. 9) (Honolulu market, Oahu I., Hawaiian Is., U.S. A). Holotype (unique), USNM 50868 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–7, 52–58, 136–149 (MVF 5, 55, 141).

DISTRIBUTION: Western and central Pacific.

REMARKS: Richardson (1848) described Muraena similis from a single specimen from Japan, which Böhlke & Randall (2000) and Böhlke & Smith (2002) treated as the holotype. However, he noted the distribution as including Polynesia and the Red Sea, based on specimens described by Forster (Tahiti) and Rüppell (Red Sea, as Muraena ophis ), thus implying the existence of syntypes. Forster’s specimen may well be kidako , as that species has been recorded from the Society Islands by Böhlke & Randall (2000: 242). The Forster specimen (which apparently no longer exists) might thus be considered a syntype of similis . Rüppell’s Muraena ophis , however, is a synonym of Echidna nebulosa , a fact that was recognized by Richardson (1848: 83) when he said that “the shortness of the gape distinguishes ophis from the present species.” Thus, he seemed to be excluding M. ophis Rüppell from his species similis , hence Rüppell’s specimen cannot be a syntype of similis .

Gymnothorax kolpos Böhlke & Böhlke 1980

Gymnothorax kolpos Böhlke & Böhlke 1980b: 223 , fig. 3 (Alabama, U.S.A., 29°19'N, 88°04'W, Oregon sta. 3201, 120 m). Holotype, ANSP 107093 .

VERTEBRAE: 5–7, 60–65, 160–167 (MVF 6, 63, 164).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax kontodontos Böhlke 2000

Gymnothorax kontodontos Böhlke 2000: 411 , figs. 2G, 3E, 8 (Outside reef 300 yards nw of entrance to English Harbor, Fanning I., Line Is., 6 m). Holotype, ANSP 177771 .

VERTEBRAE: 7–9, 40–43, 126–135 (MVF 8, 42, 131).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific.

Gymnothorax longinquus ( Whitley 1948)

Lycodontis longinquus Whitley 1948: 73 ( North of Mackay , Queensland, Australia). Holotype (unique), AMS IA.6953.

VERTEBRAE: 5–6, 59–61, 129–137 (MVF 5, 60, 133).

DISTRIBUTION: Southwestern Pacific.

Gymnothorax maderensis ( Johnson 1862)

Pseudomuraena maderensis Johnson 1862: 167 (Madeira) . Syntypes, BMNH 1862.6 .14.10 (1).

Ahynnodontophis rosaliae Howell Rivero 1932: 19 ( Deep water off Cojimar, near Havana, Cuba). Holotype (unique), MCZ 32785. VERTEBRAE: 5–7, 66–70, 149–158 (MVF 6, 68, 153). DISTRIBUTION: Eastern and Western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax mareei Poll 1953 Gymnothorax mareei Poll 1953: 118 , fig. 46 ( Atlantic , 8 mi. w of Rio Cuanza, Angola, 9°20'S, 13°04'E). Holotype, IRSNB 169 . VERTEBRAE: ––, ––, 130–138. DISTRIBUTION: Eastern Atlantic.

Gymnothorax margaritophorus Bleeker 1864 Gymnothorax margaritophorus Bleeker 1864a: 53 (Ambon I., Molucca Is., Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11 .28.268. Gymnothorax talofa Jordan & Starks in Jordan & Seale 1906: 201 , fig. 7 (Apia, Upolu I., Western Samoa). Holotype, USNM 51713 . VERTEBRAE: 5–6, 48–52, 123–133 MVF 6, 50, 129. DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax marshallensis ( Schultz 1953) Rabula marshallensis Schultz in Schultz et al. 1953: 149, fig. 31 (Lagoon reef at Ennylabegan I., Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Is., w Pacific). Holotype, USNM 141687 . VERTEBRAE: 34–35, 51–53, 129–133 (MVF 34, 52, 132) DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific.

Gymnothorax mccoskeri Smith & Böhlke 1997 Gymnothorax mccoskeri Smith & Böhlke 1997: 181, fig. 5 (nw of Roebuck Bay , Western Australia, 17°47'S, 121°46'E, 52–56 m). Holotype, CSIRO CA1489 . VERTEBRAE: 6–8, 49–53, 125–130 (MVF 6, 51, 127). DISTRIBUTION: Australia.

Gymnothorax megaspilus Böhlke & Randall 1995 Gymnothorax megaspilus Böhlke & Randall 1995: 2 , fig. 1 (Off sw side of Sawda I., Al Hallaniyaat [Kuria Muria Is.], s Oman, Arabian Sea, 21 m). Holotype, BPBM 36042. VERTEBRAE: 4–5, 48–51, 123–129 (MVF 4, 50, 127). DISTRIBUTION: Western Indian Ocean. Gymnothorax melanosomatus Loh, Shao & Chen 2011 Gymnothorax melanosomatus Loh, Shao & Chen 2011: 44 , figs. 1, 2 (Off Changbin, Taitung, Taiwan, 50–100 m). Holotype TOU-AE 1991. VERTEBRAE: MVF 6, 108, 207. DISTRIBUTION: Taiwan.

Gymnothorax melatremus Schultz 1953 Gymnothorax melatremus Schultz in Schultz et al. 1953: 120, figs. 23d, 25 (Ocean reef at Boby I., Bikini Atoll, Marshall Is., w Pacific). Holotype (unique), USNM 141610. VERTEBRAE: 2–4, 48–53, 132–149 (MVF 4, 53, 139). DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax meleagris (Shaw 1795) Muraena meleagris Shaw in Shaw & Nodder 1795: pl. 220 (" Southern Ocean. "). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1977.4 . 22.2. Thyrsoidea chlorostigma Kaup 1856a: 63 ( Seychelles) . Holotype (unique), MNHN 0000-4427. Gymnothorax leucostictus Jenkins 1903: 425–426 , fig. 5 ( Honolulu , Oahu I., Hawaiian Is., U.S. A). Holotype, USNM 50681 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 48–53, 127–132 (MVF 5, 52, 130).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

REMARKS: Hatooka (2002: 1453) claimed that the holotype of Muraena meleagris actually belongs to the species currently recognized as Gymnothorax eurostus ; the species currently treated as Gymnothorax meleagris would then take the next available name, Gymnothorax chlorostigma . His analysis was based on the slightly curved jaws and the mouth cavity of the same color as the body (jaws straight and mouth white in the currently recognized meleagris ). I have examined the holotype of meleagris and find the situation ambiguous. The specimen is partially faded, with broad patches retaining the original pattern of small pale spots on a brown background, and a somewhat greater area without any pattern. The jaws are slightly arched, and the interior of the mouth is brownish, although the teeth are also dark; these are characters of “ eurostus .” On the other hand, the overlying dark spots on the body characteristic of “ eurostus ” are not visible, and the pale spots seem to be ocellated (surrounded by dark margins) as in “ meleagris ” rather than plain as in “ eurostus .” The specimen has a regenerated tail, so the vertebral count is not available. Tissue samples were taken in an attempt to test genetically, but they have not yielded usable DNA. Considering the ambiguous nature of the case, I hesitate to make such a confusing change in the application of two widely used names. For the time being, I am retaining current usage.

Gymnothorax microstictus Böhlke 2000

Gymnothorax microstictus Böhlke 2000: 413 , figs. 2H, 3F, 9 (North side of w entrance, Hermit I., Papua New Guinea). Holotype, USNM 357424 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–5, 40–44, 113–121 (MVF 4, 41, 117).

DISTRIBUTION: Papua New Guinea.

Gymnothorax miliaris (Kaup 1856)

Thyrsoidea miliaris Kaup 1856a: 63 ( Martinique I., West Indies). Holotype (unique), MNHN B-2456. [ Böhlke et al. 1989: 155 first revisers]

Thyrsoidea irregularis Kaup 1856a: 65 (Bahia, Brazil). Holotype, MNHN B-3120 [not B-2758].

Thyrsoidea flavopicta Kaup 1856a: 64 ( Brazil) . Holotype (unique), MNHN (not found).

Muraena multiocellata Poey 1860: 324 ( Cuba) . Holotype, unknown; apparently not USNM 24961 .

Muraena elaborata Poey 1860: 323 ( Cuba) . Holotype, probably not USNM 24961 .

Gymnothorax scriptus Poey 1867: 261 ( Cuba) . Holotype, whereabouts unknown.

Leptocephalus fuliginosus Strömman 1896: 34 , pl. 3 (figs. 6–7) ( Central Atlantic , 24°N, 68°W). Holotype (unique), ZMUU.

Muraena grandimaculis Regan 1903: 418 , pl. 14 (fig. 3) (Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Holotype (unique), MHNG 665.39 .

Muraena myrialeucostictus Fowler 1912: 18 , fig. 4 ( St. Martin I., West Indies). Holotype (unique), ANSP 16031 . Muraena trinitatis Miranda-Ribeiro 1919: 175 , Unnum. pl. (fig. 3) (Trindade I., Martin Vaz Is., off se Brazil, South Atlantic , 20°31'S, 29°19'W) . Lectotype, MNRJ 1922 A, designated by Miranda Ribeiro 1953: 402 .

Muraena aurea Mowbray 1931 : unnumb. p. 2 (s shore of Bermuda). Holotype (unique), whereabouts unknown.

VERTEBRAE: 3–7, 47–51, 117–126 (MVF 5, 49, 120).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic and islands of central and eastern Atlantic.

REMARKS: Böhlke (1982: 40) treated USNM 24961 as the holotype of Muraena elaborata . Smith (1994: 32) explained in detail why this specimen is probably not a type of either elaborata or multiocellata . Kaup (1856a) described three species that are now considered synonyms: Thyrsoidea miliaris , T. irregularis , and T. flavopicta . The name miliaris has been widely used since, but Böhlke et al. (1989: 155) were apparently the first to list all three names and choose miliaris as the valid one.

Gymnothorax minor ( Temminck & Schlegel 1846)

Muraena minor Temminck & Schlegel 1846: 269 , pl. 115 (fig. 2) ( Japan). Lectotype, RMNH 3771a, designated by Boeseman 1947: 191.

VERTEBRAE: 5–8, 51–57, 129–143 (MVF 6, 55, 139).

DISTRIBUTION: Northwestern and Southwestern Pacific .

REMARKS: This species has an antitropical distribution in the western Pacific. The northern and southern forms differ in their vertebral count, 135–143 and 129–135 respectively ( Smith and Böhlke 1997: 183). If the southern form were recognized as a species, no name would be available for it.

Gymnothorax moluccensis (Bleeker 1864)

Priodonophis moluccensis Bleeker 1864a: 48 (Ambon I., Molucca Is., Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11 .28.227.

VERTEBRAE: 6–7, 60–63, 131–138. (MVF 6, 61, 134).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax monochrous (Bleeker 1856)

Muraena monochrous Bleeker 1856a: 384 (Ternate, Molucca Is., Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11 .28.244.

VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 56–61, 136–143 (MVF 4, 58, 139).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax monostigma ( Regan 1909)

Muraena monostigma Regan 1909: 438 (Raiatea, Society Is). Lectotype, BMNH 1874.11.19.19, designated by Böhlke & Smith 2002: 129.

VERTEBRAE: 7–10, 49–62, 129–133 (MVF 8, 61, 132).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax mordax (Ayres 1859)

Muraena mordax Ayres 1859: 30 (Cedros I., Baja California, Mexico). No types.

Rabula davisi Fowler 1912: 21 , footnote ( San Diego , California, U.S.A. [perhaps from farther south]). Holotype (unique), USNM 6673 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–5, 61–67, 143–152 (MFV 5, 65, 148).

DISTRIBUTION: Eastern Pacific from s California to Baja California and Galápagos Islands .

Gymnothorax moringa ( Cuvier 1829)

Muraena moringa Cuvier 1829: 352 (Antilles) . No types known.

Gymnothorax rostratus Agassiz in Spix & Agassiz 1831: 91, pl. 50a ( Major river mouths of Brazil). No types known.

Muraena punctata Gronow in Gray 1854: 18 (Rivers of tropical North America). No types known.

Murenophis curvilineata Castelnau 1855: 81 , pl. 42 (fig. 2) (Bahia, Brazil). Holotype, MNHN B-2436. Murenophis caramuru Castelnau 1855: 82 , pl. 43 (fig. 1) (Bahia, Brazil). Syntypes, MNHN B-2437 (1), B–3168 (2). Thyrsoidea concolor Abbott 1860: 479 (Veracruz, Mexico). Holotype (unique), ANSP 970 .

Gymnothorax flavoscriptus Poey 1876: 200 [158], pl. 9 [6] (fig. 2) ( Cuba). No types known.

Gymnothorax picturatus Poey 1880: 257 , pl. 10 (figs. 1–3) ( Cuba). No types known.

Lycodontis albimentis Evermann & Marsh 1900: 78 , fig. 9 ( Off Culebra I., Puerto Rico, Fish Hawk sta. 6093, 15 fm). Holotype (unique), USNM 49527 .

Leptocephalus strommani Eigenmann & Kennedy 1902: 89 , figs. 8, 8a–b (20 mi. se of Cape Hatteras , North Carolina, U.S.A., 35°08'30"N, 75°10'00"W, Albatross sta. 2596, 0–49 fm). Holotype (unique), USNM 49762 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–7, 50–57, 134–142 (MVF 6, 54, 138).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax nasuta de Buen 1961

Gymnothorax nasuta de Buen 1961: 10 , fig. 3 (Easter I., se Pacific). Holotype, EBMC 118 .

VERTEBRAE: MVF 4, 50, 138.

DISTRIBUTION: Easter Island and Chile.

Gymnothorax neglectus Tanaka 1911

Gymnothorax neglectus Tanaka 1911: 28 , pl. 7 (fig. 24) (Keelung, Taihoku , Taiwan). Holotype (unique), ZUMT 2165 .

VERTEBRAE: 6, 58, 141 (holotype).

DISTRIBUTION: Western North Pacific.

Gymnothorax nigromarginatus ( Girard 1858)

Neomuraena nigromarginata Girard 1858: 171 ( St. Joseph I., Texas, U.S. A). Holotype (unique), USNM 860 [= USNM 7004 ].

VERTEBRAE: 5–8, 45–52, 137–147 (MVF 6, 49, 142).

DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax niphostigmus Chen, Shao & Chen 1996

Gymnothorax niphostigmus Chen, Shao & Chen 1996: 20 , figs. 1–3 ( Popingto fish market, 25°11'N, 121°51'E, Keelung, Taiwan, 100–150 m). Holotype, ASIZP 056940 .

VERTEBRAE: 4–5, 53–55, 140–142 (MVF 4, 54, 141).

DISTRIBUTION: Western North Pacific.

REMARKS: Böhlke and Smith (2002: 131) considered this species a possible synonym of Gymnothorax kidako Temminck &Schlegel 1846 . I tentatively recognize it here on the basis of the color pattern (distinctly pale spots on a dark brown background, and spots on the tail fewer and farther apart). The various pale-spotted Gymnothorax species are confusing, and further study is needed to confirm their identities.

Gymnothorax nubilus (Richardson 1848)

Muraena nubila Richardson 1848: 81 , pl. 46 (figs. 6–10) (Norfolk I., sw Pacific ). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1972.1 .26.159.

Muraena euptera Günther 1870: 122 (Raoul I., Kermadec Is, sw Pacific). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1855.8 .16.50.

VERTEBRAE: 3–4, 50–54, 130–134 (MVF 4, 52, 132).

DISTRIBUTION: Southwestern Pacific.

Gymnothorax nudivomer (Günther 1867)

Muraena nudivomer Günther in Playfair & Günther 1867: 127, pl. 18 ( Zanzibar). Lectotype, BMNH 1867.3.9.48, designated by Günther 1870: 104.

Gymnothorax xanthostomus Snyder 1904: 519 , pl. 5 (fig. 10) (Honolulu market, Oahu I., Hawaiian Is., U.S.A.). Holotype, USNM 50869 .

Gymnothorax insignis Seale 1917: 93 ( Mauritius) . Holotype (unique), MCZ 5912 .

VERTEBRAE: 2–4, 50–55, 132–139 (MVF 3, 52, 135).

DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax nuttingi Snyder 1904

Gymnothorax nuttingi Snyder 1904: 518 , pl. 4 (fig. 7) (Honolulu market, Oahu I., Hawaiian Is., U.S. A). Holotype (unique), USNM 50866 .

VERTEBRAE: 5–7, 70–74, 157–165 (MVF 6, 71, 160).

DISTRIBUTION: Hawaiian Islands.

Gymnothorax obesus (Whitley 1932)

Uropterygius obesus Whitley 1932b: 329 , pl. 39 (fig. 1) (Montague I., N. S. W., Australia, ca 70 fm). Holotype, AMS IA.3888.

Muraena tuhua Griffin 1933: 171 , pl. 24 (bottom); fig. (15 mi. se of Mayor I. [Tuhua], New Zealand, 80 fm). Holotype (unique), AIM (lost).

VERTEBRAE: 9–10, 68–72, 166–172 (MVF 10, 70, 169).

DISTRIBUTION: Southwestern Pacific.

Gymnothorax ocellatus Agassiz 1831

Gymnothorax ocellatus Agassiz in Spix & Agassiz 1831: 91, pl. 50b. ( Major river mouths of equatorial Brazil). Syntypes, MHNN 1193 (1).

Murenophis variegata Castelnau 1855: 83 , pl. 43 (fig. 2) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Holotype (unique), MNHN B- 2440. Secondarily preoccupied by Muraena variegata Rafinesque 1810 .

Gymnothorax ocellatus var. januarius Jordan & Davis 1891: 607. Replacement name for Murenophis variegata Castelnau , considered preoccupied. Lycodontis jordani Evermann & Marsh 1899: 352 (Mayagüez, Puerto Rico). Holotype (unique), USNM 49358. VERTEBRAE: 4–8, 46–54, 136–151 (MVF 6, 50, 145). DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax panamensis ( Steindachner 1876) Muraena panamensis Steindachner 1876: 67 [19] ( Panama [Pacific]). Holotype (unique), NMW (not found). Lycodontis umbra Fowler 1944: 317 , figs. 66–68 (James Bay, James I., Galápagos Is). Holotype (unique), ANSP 70025 (poor condition). VERTEBRAE: 8–12, 50–55, 122–137 (MVF 10, 52, 130). DISTRIBUTION: Eastern Pacific.

Gymnothorax parini Collette, Smith & Böhlke 1991 Gymnothorax parini Collette, Smith & Böhlke 1991: 344 , figs. 1–3 (Walters Shoals, sw Indian Ocean, 33°11'54"S, 43°51'42"E, Vityaz sta. 2751, 18 m). Holotype, USNM 307751 . VERTEBRAE: 3–5, 53–58, 143–152 (MVF 4, 56, 147). DISTRIBUTION: Southwestern Indian Ocean.

Gymnothorax phalarus Bussing 1998 Gymnothorax phalarus Bussing 1998: 439 , figs. 1–4 (West side of Isla del Caño off Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, 8°47'00"N, 84°03'48"W, 136–237 m). Holotype, LACM 47317-1 . VERTEBRAE: 5–8, 56–61, 138–142 (MVF 6, 58, 140). DISTRIBUTION: Eastern Pacific.

Gymnothorax phasmatodes ( Smith 1962) Lycodontis phasmatodes Smith 1962: 436 , pl. 53 (figs B, C & I) (Inhaca I., Mozambique). Holotype, SAIAB 108 . VERTEBRAE: 5–7, 74–80, 160–174 (MVF 6, 78, 168). DISTRIBUTION: Western Indian Ocean.

Gymnothorax philippinus Jordan & Seale 1907 Gymnothorax philippinus Jordan & Seale 1907: 7, fig. 2 (Cavite, Luzon I., Philippines). Holotype (unique), SU 9215. Gymnothorax odiosus Snyder 1908: 94 (Kagoshima, Japan). Holotype (unique), USNM 62231. VERTEBRAE: MVF 4, 56, 130. DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific.

Gymnothorax pictus (Ahl 1789) Muraena picta Ahl 1789: 8 , pl. 2 (right fig.) (East Indies). No types known. Muraenophis pantherina Lacepède 1803: 628 , 641, 642 (No locality). Holotype (unique), MNHN B-3141. Muraena variegata Quoy & Gaimard 1824: 246 , pl. 52 (fig. 1) ( Guam, Mariana Is., w Pacific). Holotype, MNHN B-3142. Preoccupied by Muraena variegata Rafinesque, 1810 . Muraena lita Richardson 1848: 84 (Molucca Is., Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1846.2.16.111. Muraena erythroptera Solander in Richardson 1848: 86 (Society Is.). No types known. Muraena atomaria Solander in Richardson 1848: 86 (Society Is.). No types known. Muraena s iderea Richardson 1848: 85, pl. 48 (figs. 1–5) (w and n shores of Australia; coast of New Guinea). Syntypes, BMNH 1846.9.11.16 (1), Australia, coll. Jukes. [1 syntype lost]. Muraena pfeifferi Bleeker 1853d: 173 (Makasar [Ujung Pandang], Sulawesi [Celebes], Indonesia). Lectotype, BMNH 1867.11.28.286, designated by Böhlke & Randall 2000: 248. Muraena elegantissima Kaup 1856b: 67 ( Australia?). Holotype (unique), MNHN B.2466. Muraena polyophthalmus Bleeker 1858a: 15 (Manado, Sulawesi [Celebes], Indonesia). Holotype (unique), BMNH 1867.11.28.332. Gymnothorax hilonis Jordan & Evermann 1903: 167 (Hilo, Hawaii I., Hawaiian Is., U.S. A). Holotype (unique), USNM 50618.

Gymnothorax thomsoni Borodin 1928: 8 , pl. 2 (figs. 1–2) (Galápagos Is. [or Cocos I., e Pacific]). Holotype (unique), AMNH 225216 [ex VMM 411 ]. Gymnothorax pictus kowanensis Aoyagi 1943: 27 , fig. 9 ( Bay of Kowan , Okinawa I., Ryukyu Is., Japan). Holotype (unique), not at YCM, apparently lost. VERTEBRAE: 7–11, 56–62, 128–135 (MVF 9, 58, 131). DISTRIBUTION: Indo-Pacific ; eastern Pacific islands.

Gymnothorax pikei Bliss 1833 Gymnothorax pikei Bliss (ex Steindachner) 1883: 59 ( Mauritius). Holotype (unique), MCZ 6145. Gymnothorax pikei Seale 1917: 90 ( Mauritius) . Holotype (unique), MCZ 6145. VERTEBRAE: 6, 59, 149 (holotype). DISTRIBUTION: Mauritius and Papua New Guinea. REMARKS: This species was based on a manuscript name by Steindachner. It was described independently by Bliss (1883) and Seale (1917).

Gymnothorax pindae Smith 1962 Gymnothorax pindae Smith 1962: 430 , pl. 55 (fig. D) (Pinda, Mozambique). Holotype (unique), SAIAB 105. VERTEBRAE: 5–7, 42–46, 110–124 (MVF 6, 44, 121). DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific. Gymnothorax polygonius Poey 1875 Gymnothorax polygonius Poey 1875: 68 , pl. 10 ( Cuba). Holotype (unique), USNM 9825. VERTEBRAE: 4–6, 51–55, 135–142 (MVF 5, 53, 138). DISTRIBUTION: Eastern and western Atlantic.

Gymnothorax polyspondylus Böhlke & Randall 2000 Gymnothorax polyspondylus Böhlke & Randall 2000: 251 , figs. 10–11 (nw of Oahu, 21°41'N, 158°06'W, Hawaiian Is., U.S.A., 180–200 m). Holotype (unique), BPBM 24821 . VERTEBRAE: 4–89–233 (holotype). DISTRIBUTION: Hawaiian Islands .

Gymnothorax polyuranodon (Bleeker 1853) Muraena polyuranodon Bleeker 1853c: 248 (Ceram, Indonesia). Holotype (unique), whereabouts unknown. Polyuranodon kuhlii Kaup 1856a: 65 (Ceram, Indonesia). Replacement name for M. polyuranodon . Uropterygius fijiensis Fowler & Bean 1923: 9 (Lebukea, Fiji Is.). Holotype (unique), USNM 82774. VERTEBRAE: 9–16, 67–75, 141–148 (MVF 12, 70, 144). DISTRIBUTION: Indo-West Pacific.

Gymnothorax porphyreus ( Guichenot 1848) Murenophis porphyreus Guichenot 1848: 342 , pl. 11 (fig. 2) (Juan Fernández Is., se Pacific). Syntypes, whereabouts unknown. Muraena chilensis Günther 1872: 674 ( Chile) . Holotype (unique), BMNH 1871.9.13.881. Gymnothorax wieneri Sauvage 1883: 161 [18] ( Chile or Peru). Syntypes, MNHN A-4868 (2). Gymnothorax obscurirostris Rendahl 1921: 62 (Easter I., se Pacific). Holotype (unique), NRM 7103. Gymnothorax griffini Whitley & Phillipps 1939: 229 (White I., Bay of Plenty, New Zealand). Holotype (unique), AIM 29.1. VERTEBRAE: 5–8, 57–62, 137–144 (MVF 6, 59, 140). DISTRIBUTION: Southern Pacific. REMARKS: Böhlke & McCosker (2001) and Böhlke & Smith (2002) put Gymnothorax griffini in the synonymy of Gymnothorax obesus , although without seeing the specimen. McCosker & Stewart (2006) examined the specimen and determined that it is a synonym of G. porphyreus .