MOray Eels
Welcome to Aquarium Moray Eels
Moray Information
01
Understanding the Moray Eel
Moray eels have long, thin bodies, large heads, and wide mouths with sharp teeth. They come in many colors, including brown, green, yellow, orange, and spotted. Their skin is thick, smooth, and scaleless.
02
Behavior of the Moray Eel
Moray eels are known for opening and closing their mouths, which can make them appear threatening. However, this behavior is actually how they breathe.
03
Moray Eel Habitat
Moray eels live in tropical and subtropical seas, in shallow water near reefs, rocks, and continental slopes. They are often found in confined spaces, where they hide in crevices during the day and hunt at night.
04
What do Moray Eels Eat
Moray eels are opportunistic feeders that eat fish, octopuses, and crustaceans. They have two sets of jaws, the oral jaws for capturing prey and the pharyngeal jaws for moving the prey to their esophagus.
05
Jaws of the Moray Eel
The pharyngeal jaws of morays are located farther back in the head and closely resemble the oral jaws (complete with tiny “teeth”). When feeding, morays launch these jaws into the mouth cavity, where they grasp prey and transport it into the throat. Moray eels are the only known animals that use pharyngeal jaws to actively capture and restrain prey in this way.
06
How Keep Moray Eels
An eel without adequate hiding spots will be constantly stressed, so be sure to provide plenty of cover to ensure comfort. An eel that is comfortable in its environment will be less shy, less prone to disease, more willing to eat, and will display more natural behavior. Be aware that all morays are escape artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moray Eel Diet
Shrimp, Squid, Octopus Mini Fish
Moray Sizes
4 inches to 6 feet
Eel Eye Sight
Eyesight is not that good. they hunt with their nose
Will they Bite
YES – if you give them the change to bite you, they will