Fimbriated moray (Gymnothorax fimbriatus)
Tuvaluan mythology tells stories of the creation of the islands of Tuvalu and of the founding ancestors of each island. A creation story that is found on many of the islands is that te Pusi mo te Ali (the Eel and the Flounder) created the islands of Tuvalu; te Ali (flounder) is believed to be the origin of the flat atolls of Tuvalu and the te Pusin (the Eel) is the model for the coconut palms that are important in the lives of Tuvaluans. The strength of this belief has the consequence that Moray eel are tapu and are not eaten. (More...)