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First observation of predation by the Panamic green moray ( Gymnothorax castaneus ) on Russell's oarfish ( Regalecus russelii )

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study documents the first recorded predation of Regalecus russelii by Gymnothorax castaneus on Santa Catalana Island, Mexico. Observed feeding tactics included grasping, shaking, knotting, rotation and a novel muraenid behaviour: intraphagy, entering through the oral cavity to consume the prey from within. This provides the first evidence of nocturnal and amphibious feeding for G. castaneus, and the behaviour of knotting confirms its role as an opportunistic predator and scavenger, expanding knowledge of both species' trophic ecology.

Source: Journal of Fish Biology

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.70465

Authors: Fernanda Raygoza‐Díaz, Miguel Salazar‐De La Vega, Armando Hernández‐Hernández, René Villanueva‐Maldonado, Mario Jaime‐Rivera

Institutions: Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur

Language: English

Topic: Ichthyology and Marine Biology

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7160848937

FWCI:

Cites: 9

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