Bleeker described 2 specimens of a beautiful moray eel, Muraena xanthospilos, in 1859. The species has subsequently been reported only 3 times (once as Poecilophis ornata Kaup, a junior synonym) until now. In this study, we redescribe the species based on Bleeker's syntypes, one of the previously recorded specimens, and 3 additional recently collected specimens. A lectotype is designated; the variations of spots, the dentition and the body length formulas of different growing stages are described; and photographs of a fresh specimen are provided for the first time. Echidna xanthospilos differs from other species of Echidna in its shorter tail, smaller number of vertebrae, and distinctive coloration.
Echidna xanthospilos, Moray eel, Anguilliformes, Muraenidae, Fish taxonomy
