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.

Spotting Greater Amberjacks in Taiwan (杜氏鰤)

As you are gliding through the water, enjoying your dive, a glimmer of light catches your attention.  Curious, you move ahead to investigate, when suddenly, a large stream of silver torpedoes dart past you continuously.  After a few moments, they swim by again, and you get a closer look.  You notice the amber colored horizontal stripe along the center of its body; which connects the mouth, eye, and fin.  Their size and speed is astonishing and it gets your heart pumping as you realize you have spotted an “Amberjack”!

The name jack fish includes numerous species around the world but the type most commonly spotted by scuba divers in the waters around Taiwan is the Greater Amberjack.  The Greater Amberjack averages from 7 to 15 kg but fishermen have caught some as large as 70 kg.  They are commonly found between 20 and 70 meters deep in rocky areas or near wrecks and other underwater structures but also venture closer to shore to hunt.

Amberjacks are predators so they are built for speed, which is apparent from their shape.  Their size and strength also makes them a prized gamefish for anglers since they put up a big fight and are challenging to reel in.  Unfortunately, because of their fleshy meat, they are also a popular fish for sushi and are commonly found in restaurants worldwide.

Your best chance to see Amberjacks is from winter into late spring when they spend more time closer to shore for mating.  They head into deeper waters after May, but can be spotted occasionally year round if you’re lucky.  They seem fearless, and almost playful when in the vicinity of divers and can often be seen swimming several laps around Divers and their bubble columns. Make sure to take the opportunity and marvel in this exquisite sight before they depart for another year!

For more info about these excursions, you can go to  email us at  

www.fundiverstw.com

Happy Bubbles!