Moray eels are snake-like fish that live in crevices on coral and rocky reefs. They are important predators and a favourite sight for divers.
Interesting facts
- Morays open and close their mouths constantly to pump water over their gills; it is not a threat display.
- Giant morays sometimes hunt cooperatively with groupers, which signal to them with head shakes.
- Most morays have poor eyesight and rely on smell to find prey.
- Their skin is covered in protective mucus instead of scales.
- Cleaner shrimp remove parasites from morays’ mouths.
- Large morays can cause food poisoning (ciguatera) if eaten.
Behaviour
Morays spend the day hidden in holes with only their heads showing, and hunt mostly at night by squeezing into crevices after prey.
Breeding and young
Morays release eggs and sperm into the water. Their leaf-shaped larvae drift in the ocean for months.
Threats and conservation
Most species are not threatened, although some are affected by the aquarium trade and reef decline.
Where to see it
- Red Sea coral reefs
- The Maldives
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Caribbean reefs, for green and spotted morays
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
