Dangerous and Deadly Sea Creatures: Moray Eel

A moray eel eyes a colorful fish in the waters off Kona, Hawaii. Moray eels are cosmopolitan eels of the family Muraenidae. The approximately 200 species in 15 genera are almost exclusively marine, but several species are regularly seen in brackish water, and a few, for example the freshwater moray (Gymnothorax polyuranodon), can sometimes be found in fresh water. Moray eels prefer warmer water and they can be often found in the shallow water and near the coral reefs. Although moray eels are commercially fished, they are not endangered.

With a maximum length of 11.5 cm (4.5 in), the smallest moray is likely Snyder's moray (Anarchias leucurus),[3] while the longest species, the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) reaches up to 4 m (13 ft).

Moray eels are cosmopolitan, found in both tropical and temperate seas, although the largest species richness is at reefs in warm oceans. Very few species occur outside the tropics or subtropics, and the ones that do only extend marginally beyond these regions. They live at depths to several hundred metres, where they spend most of their time concealed inside crevices and alcoves.

Quick stats or scientific classification of Moray eel:

Kingdom:        Animalia

Phylum:           Chordata

Class:  Actinopterygii

Superorder:    Elopomorpha

Order: Anguilliformes

Family:            Muraenidae Rafinesque, 1810

Unlike other eels, moray eel has two sets of sharp teeth. First set is located in the jaw and other in the throat. Teeth located in the throat are used for breaking up of the food and for facilitated digestion.