Moray Eels

Feared by divers, mainly because they may lunge unexpectedly from rocky caverns, moray eels are actually quite shy and secretive fish. But they can also deliver a powerful bite.

A number of species of moray eels inhabit the world’s coral reefs, where they usually hide away in small, narrow crevices. They are very adaptable, and so they will often colonize wrecks, too. These provide plenty of hiding places from where they can suddenly emerge to seize unsuspecting prey. Moray eels usually hunt for their prey at night. They have large mouths equipped with fearsome teeth, and they also have additional

teeth located in the throat.

However, only a few species of morays are a serious threat to divers.One of these is the giant moray eel— the largest member of the family. Even so, it usually only attacks a human when surprised or threatened at close quarters. It prefers to hide away if possible rather than reveal its presence.

Dangerous Eels
Placing a hand into a cavity where a moray eel may be lurking will probably result in a severe bite, and these wounds often turn septic (poisoned by bacteria). Divers who have tried to kill one of these eels with a spear gun, but have only caused a minor injury to the fish, have then sometimes found themselves being attacked. Often, the eel retreats into its lair, only to re-emerge through a second exit elsewhere. It then proceeds to react aggressively toward the diver. Moray eels are also protected by a toxic mucus that covers their bodies. Their flesh, too, may be poisonous if it is eaten.