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Exploring the Unique Habitat of Hades’ Snake Moray
The Hades’ snake moray (Uropterygius hades), a recently identified species, occupies a distinctive ecological niche in muddy river estuaries. Unlike its more vibrant saltwater counterparts, this dark brown moray eel showcases exceptional burrowing abilities and thrives in mixed environments. Its range extends across southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji. Details about this species were unveiled in a study published in December 2024 in the journal ZooKeys.
Moray eels are diverse, with approximately 230 recognized species primarily inhabiting marine settings. While some, like the freshwater moray (Gymnothorax polyuranodon), predominantly live in freshwater environments, others such as the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) are known to venture into brackish waters at times. However, moray eels specifically adapted to thrive in estuarine environments are indeed rare.
The Hades’ snake moray was unintentionally discovered during an exploratory research expedition. A team from Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen University investigated a cave system in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in the Philippines, primarily intending to locate the elusive bean-eyed snake moray (Uropterygius cyamommatus). Although they were unable to find this species, they stumbled upon a slender moray exhibiting an unusual dark coloration.
Upon returning to their laboratory, the researchers conducted DNA analyses to assess how this eel’s genetic makeup contrasted with other moray eels. Notably, they observed that the Hades’ snake moray burrowed into substrates backwards—an uncommon behavior among morays. Additionally, the eel appeared highly sensitive to light, frequently seeking refuge from illuminations, suggesting that its small eyes have evolved to suit a low-light habitat. The study indicated a reduced number of sensory pores on its head, likely an adaptation to prevent clogging while foraging.
[ Related: How citizen scientists are protecting ‘glass eels.’ ]
The team concluded that the Hades’ snake moray seems to rely more on chemoreception—sensing chemical changes in its environment—rather than eyesight for locating food or detecting predators. This allows it to maintain its burrowed position in the mud while efficiently navigating its surroundings to catch prey.
The scientific description of this moray eel was a collaborative effort among researchers from Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen University, Western Philippines University, and Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History in Japan. They chose the name ‘Hades’ to reflect both the creature’s daunting appearance and its habitat characterized by shadowy waters—a tribute to the Greek god of the underworld. This naming was inspired by study co-author Wen-Chien Huang, who drew influence from Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Hades in the film Clash of the Titans.
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