Moray Eels

 Moray Eels: Fascinating Predators of the Ocean

Moray eels look like snakes, but they are actually a type of fish. They live in narrow crevices. They are not completely snake-like. They have no scales on their body and possess a dorsal fin that runs the length of their back, joining with their caudal and anal fins. Moray eels have very poor vision and rely primarily on chemoreception to catch prey. They even have very visible nostrils.  

Many species of moray eels have large, pointy teeth, which they use to grab fish. Some, like the snowflake moray, have blunt teeth to help them crush shells, while others, like the leopard moray, have sharp, glass-like teeth. Morays have two sets of jaws: the main oral jaws with large teeth and a second set called pharyngeal jaws. These pharyngeal jaws are located in their throat and shoot forward to pull prey down when caught in the main jaws. This makes moray eels the only animal known to use this method of catching prey.  

Morays are mainly ambush hunters, waiting for prey to swim close. However, this can cause water displacement, potentially scaring prey away. To solve this, they have openings near their mouths that allow water to pass through quietly. Besides ambushing, some morays also chase their prey. Giant morays have been observed teaming up with groupers for hunting. The grouper signals the moray by shaking its head, and together they hunt collaboratively.  

Most moray species are covered in mucus, which protects them from sharp rocks and coral. Some even produce toxic mucus. Different types of morays have distinct features. For example, ribbon eels, which might belong to the moray family, have long nostrils to attract prey. They start as males and transition to females as they age, changing color during this process.  

The largest moray eel, the giant moray, can reach up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh as much as 30 kilograms. The smallest, Snyder’s moray, is only about 12 centimeters long. While morays mainly live in saltwater, they can sometimes be found in brackish or freshwater. In an amazing display of flexibility, morays can even tie themselves into knots to pull prey out from crevices.  

📝 Sahan Sandeepa  

      2nd Year (21/22)

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