Moray Eel
Moray Eel Facts
Size | 4.5 in to 13 feet (11.5 to 400 cm) |
Speed | Unknown |
Weight | Up to 66 pounds(30 kg) |
Lifespan | 10-30 years |
Food | Molluscs, fish |
Predators | Sharks, barracudas |
Habitat | Tropical and subtropical seas, Mediterranean sea |
Order | Eels |
Family | Morays |
Scientific name | Muraenidae |
Characteristics | Sharp teeth, long body |
Main Characteristics
Morays are bony fish living in tropical seas. Only two of about 200 species that are known today live at European coasts.
Anatomy and Appearance
The Smallest Moray
The smallest moray is the Snyder moray (Anarchias leucurus), which only measures 4.5 inches (11.5 cm).
The Biggest Moray
With a length of 13 feet (4 meters), the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) holds the record as the longest moray.
The Heaviest Moray
The giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) only reaches a length of 10 feet (3 meters), but it is the heaviest species weighing up to 66 pounds (30 kg).
Behavior
Are Morays Dangerous
Many people feel a cold shiver running down their spine when seeing a moray with its glare and sharp teeth. And there is also a lot of delusion. No, morays are hardly ever aggressive and they don’t have poison fangs. But morays can still be poisonous if they have eaten carrion and the bacteria get transmitted with their bite. Yet, they only bite humans to defend themselves or by accident (because they have very bad eyesight).
Morays Snap for Air
Morays permanently open and shut their mouth. This looks rather intimidating, but it is simply their way of breathing: They do it to pump water rich in oxygen into their gills.
Senses and Abilities
Do Morays Have a Good Sense of Smell?
Morays lie in ambush and sniff to detect their prey. They have an excellent sense of smell and simply snap if something tasty is floating by.
Do Morays Have Good Vision?
Yet, unfortunately they have very bad eyesight, but have a huge jaw according to the motto: “I will catch something anyway.” Preferably fresh prey, but also some carrion if need be.
Symbiosis
Morays like to let cleaner shrimps brush their teeth. The little crabs feed on the leftovers they find between the teeth of the predatory fish. They moray would never think of eating its little helpers as they also remove parasites and dirt. In a way, they are their automatic toothbrushes with dental floss functionality.
Fun Facts
The Green Moray Eel is ... Blue
The body of the green moray eel (Gymnothorax funebris) is covered by yellow slime. Yet, its body is blue, but it appears to be green – because if you mix blue and yellow, you will get green. Just try it with your paintbox. The slime protects the moray from sharp cliff edges.
Not to Be Confused With a Moraine
A few letters can make such a difference. While the moray is an animal, the moraine consists of snow and debris that is being pushed downhill by a glacier.
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Bar Jack
- Barracuda
- Boxfish
- Fried Egg Jellyfish
- Fairy Basslet
- Flying Gurnard
- Green Sea Turtle
- Grouper
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Needlefish
- Parrotfish
- Porcupinefish
- Remora
- Spotted Eagle Ray
- Trumpetfish
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