Gymnothorax moringa
Spotted Moray Eel
Maximum Size:
3.3 ft (1 m), 6 lbs (2.5 kg)
Longevity:
Around 10 years, possibly up to 30 years.
Typical depth:
0–656 ft (0–200 m)
Behavior:
Spotted moray eels are most active at night when they hunt for a wide variety of prey, including parrotfish, grunts, trumpetfish, crustaceans and molluscs. During the day they are often seen with their head sticking out of a reef hole or crevice.
Predators:
Dog snapper and Nassau grouper.
Did you know?
Scientists recently discovered that moray eels have two sets of jaws. The main jaws are used to capture and hold prey. The second set, known as pharyngeal jaws, are used to drag the prey into the throat.
