Moray Eel

ocean · fierce hunters · camouflage

Powerful jaws. Moray eels have incredibly strong jaws with sharp teeth that can clamp down on fish and crustaceans with tremendous force. They're ambush predators that hide in crevices and strike when prey swims by.

Crevice dwellers. Unlike most eels that swim through open water, moray eels live in caves and cracks in rocks and coral reefs. They rarely leave their homes except to hunt for food.

Colorful patterns. Moray eels come in brilliant colors and patterns like yellow, blue, green, and spotted designs that help them blend in with their rocky hiding spots. Different species look completely different from one another.

Found worldwide. There are about 200 species of moray eels living in oceans all over the world, from warm tropical reefs to cooler waters. A few unusual species even live in brackish water or fresh water instead of the ocean.

Great sense of smell. Moray eels have a special system for smelling called nares that helps them find food in dark crevices where their eyes don't work well. They rely on scent more than sight when hunting.