Moray eels are marine creatures found in tropical and subtropical waters, often in coral reefs and rocky crevices. These serpentine fish vary in size and color. The question of whether moray eels are “friendly” often arises due to their appearance and behavior. While not inherently aggressive, they are wild predators and lack human-like friendliness. This article explores their natural behaviors, reasons for bites, and safe interaction in their habitat.
Understanding Moray Eel Behavior
Moray eels are reclusive creatures, spending most of their day hidden within coral reefs or rocky formations. Many species are nocturnal hunters, emerging at night to forage for food. They are ambush predators, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey rather than actively pursuing it.
Their seemingly constant gaping mouth is often misunderstood. This behavior is not aggression but how moray eels breathe. Unlike most fish, moray eels lack gill covers and must continuously open and close their mouths to pump water over their gills for respiration. Moray eels have poor eyesight, relying instead on a highly developed sense of smell for navigation and locating prey. This allows them to detect faint chemical signals, crucial for finding food in dimly lit environments.
Why Moray Eels Bite
Moray eel bites are almost always defensive or the result of mistaken identity, not unprovoked aggression. They may bite if threatened, startled, or if their hiding places are encroached upon. Bites can occur if a diver’s hand enters a crevice where an eel is hiding, or during attempts to hand-feed them, as the eel may confuse fingers for food due to poor vision.
While not venomous, moray eel bites can be severe. They have sharp, backward-curving teeth designed to grasp slippery prey. Some species also possess a second set of pharyngeal jaws that help pull prey further into their digestive system.
Their powerful jaws can inflict deep puncture wounds or lacerations. Bacteria in their mouths, such as Vibrio and Pseudomonas, can lead to serious infections. Moray eels also secrete a protective mucus over their skin; in some species, this mucus contains crinotoxins, which can cause increased pain and bleeding.
Safe Encounters and Misconceptions
To ensure safety, maintain a respectful distance from moray eels and observe them without interference. Avoid feeding them, as this can lead to accidental bites due to their poor eyesight. Never provoke or touch an eel, and refrain from placing hands or other body parts into crevices, holes, or rocky areas where they might be concealed.
A common misconception is that moray eels are inherently aggressive and attack humans without reason. They are shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid confrontation. Bites usually occur when the eel feels cornered, threatened, or confused, not from unprovoked aggression. Understanding their natural behaviors, like reliance on smell and respiratory gaping, helps demystify these intriguing marine animals and promotes safer interactions.