Fish Community

marinebiologyfacts:

A “true” eel (unlike the wolf eel) the moray eel lacks pectoral fins. They are found in the Western Atlantic from New jersey to Bermuda. They are “sedentary predators” meaning that instead of actively hunting for food, they wait for something to swim or crawl by their den at night.

Green moray eels are not actually green. Their scaleless skin is actually brown, and the green color comes from the yellowish mucus covering their bodies. Plus having a drab, brown background enhances the mucus color to make it more green in appearance.

Due to their large size and sharp, strong teeth; a bite from a green moray eel can be quite dangerous, however they typically will not strike unless provoked.

Female morays will deposit eggs then let out a sent to attract a male who will then come and fertilize the eggs. The young instinctively know how to care for themselves at birth.

Altogether there are actually over 200 species of moray eel found around the world, the green moray is in good company:

A moray eel’s color can be quite striking and will vary based on species and location. These animals rely on camouflage so their prey can not see them.

Moray eels have few predators, but have been observed being eaten by sharks. Human will also occasionally consume them, but moray eels are considered high risk for a food borne illness called Ciguatera. 

Morays also typically do not have great eyesight and will rely on their excellent sense of smell instead.

Fun fact, at least some species of Morays are also mildly venomous! Not to a degree I would worry about if a human was bit though.