Exploring Moray Eels: Fascinating Facts and Habits

 Moray eels are a type of fish belonging to the family Muraenidae. They are found in tropical and subtropical marine waters, mostly around the equator, living in coral reefs and rocky shorelines.
There are about 200 species in 15 genera. 

Moray eels are known for their long, snake-like bodies. They can range in size from just a few inches to over 3 meters long. Their smooth, thick, scaleless skin secretes protective mucous, some containing a toxin. Their large mouth with sharp teeth is used to tear flesh or grab slippery prey. A second set of jaws in their throat can launch forward to grasp prey to transport it into their throat. They are the only known species to have this pharyngeal jaw. They have relatively small eyes, but have excellent eyesight. They rely on their keen sense of smell, which helps them to ambush their prey. Reef-associated roving coral groupers have been observed recruiting giant morays to help them hunt. This style of hunting may allow morays to flush prey out from niches not accessible to groupers. 

Moray eels are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crabs, squid, and octopus. Groupers, barracudas, and sea snakes are among a few of their known predators. They are also known to scavenge for food and will sometimes eat dead animals they come across. 

Despite their fearsome appearance, moray eels are generally not aggressive towards humans, unless provoked. However, they have been known to bite when threatened. Their bites can be quite painful due to the size of their teeth and the bacteria they carry in their mouths. 

Moray eels are fascinating and important creatures in the ocean ecosystem. They play an important role in controlling the populations of other marine organisms.