Image: Head of a Green Moray, Gymnothorax prasinus

Head of a Green Moray showing the the nostrils and pores.

Photographer:

Ákos Lumnitzer

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Common name:

Green Moray

Scientific name:

Gymnothorax prasinus

Family:

Muraenidae

Order:

Anguilliformes

Additional information

Morays have an excellent sense of smell, and have the nares (nostrils) developed into tubes. Most have two nostrils on each side of the head. Water passes in the anterior nostril and out through the posterior nostril. Under the skin, between the 2 nostrils, lies the nasal apparatus, which gives the fish its sense of smell.

Last Updated: 4 August 2011

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Gymnothorax prasinus, Green Moray, Muraenidae, head, nares, nostrils, pores,