Because my other post today is just a wee bit ranty, here a tranquil set of awe-inspiring videos for your consumption.  The ribbon eel is the only species in its genus, meanings it is pretty unique, in the larger family of Moray eels.  The ribbon eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita, is found among the lagoons and reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific oceans.  If you note the snout on these critters, you will see the flared nostrils.  This is usually the only part sticking out from burrows.  Apparently, the ribbon ells use these to attract small prey, clamping down on the unsuspecting food with their strong jaws and retreating into their burrows.  In addittion, all ribbon eels begin life as males and then ultimately become females.  This is called sequential hermaphroditism.

The post Ribbon Eel Video Roundup first appeared on Deep Sea News.

Video by Nori Sakamato on G+. Used with permission. Ribbon eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita) is from 50m deep in Kume Island, Okinawa.

The post Okinawa Ribbon Eel! first appeared on Deep Sea News.