Moray Eel

Moray eels possess several unique biological features that set them apart. Their elongated, scaleless bodies are covered in a protective, often colourful mucus, which helps them navigate tight crevices and offers protection from parasites and abrasion. Unlike many fish, morays lack pectoral and pelvic fins, relying instead on undulating body movements for propulsion.

Perhaps their most distinctive adaptation is the presence of two sets of jaws. The primary oral jaws are used to grasp prey, while a second set of 'pharyngeal jaws' located further back in the throat, can extend forward to pull food down the oesophagus. This unique feeding mechanism, similar to that of a snake, allows them to effectively capture and swallow even large, struggling prey.

Morays are predominantly nocturnal hunters, spending their days hidden within reef cracks, caves, or under rocks. Their gaping mouth, which divers often perceive as aggressive, is actually necessary for respiration; by continually opening and closing their mouth, they pump water over their gills. This behaviour, combined with their sharp teeth, often leads to misunderstandings about their temperament.

While moray eels are generally shy and reclusive, they are powerful predators that will bite if provoked or threatened. Divers should always maintain a respectful distance and never attempt to feed or touch a moray. Incidents involving morays are almost always a result of human error, such as hand-feeding or accidentally placing a hand too close to their hiding spot. Observing them from a safe distance is key to a positive encounter.

Liveaboard diving offers unparalleled opportunities to observe a wide variety of moray eel species in their natural habitats. Because liveaboards visit remote and pristine dive sites, divers often encounter morays that are less accustomed to human presence, displaying more natural behaviours. Common species encountered include the formidable Giant Moray, the beautifully patterned Snowflake Moray, and the striking Fimbriated Moray.

Divers on liveaboard trips can often observe unique interspecies relationships, such as morays participating in cleaning stations. Here, smaller cleaner wrasse or shrimp remove parasites from the moray's skin and mouth, a fascinating example of marine symbiosis. Your dive guides will be adept at spotting these often-cryptic creatures, pointing out different species and explaining their behaviours, enriching your underwater experience significantly.

Myth: Moray eels are aggressive and will attack divers. Fact: Morays are generally shy and reclusive. They are not inherently aggressive towards humans and will only bite if they feel threatened, are provoked, or if food is offered, leading to accidental bites.

Myth: Their constantly open mouth indicates aggression. Fact: The gaping mouth of a moray eel is a necessary action for respiration. They must constantly move water over their gills to breathe, much like many other fish. It's a physiological need, not a sign of hostility.

Myth: Moray eels are venomous. Fact: Moray eels are not venomous. While their bites can be painful and prone to infection due to bacteria in their mouths and serrated teeth, they do not inject venom. Any reports of 'venom' are typically a misunderstanding of severe bacterial infection or allergic reaction.