Moray Eels

Moray eels are long, snake-like fish that live in warm ocean waters. They hide in holes and cracks in coral reefs. Morays open and close their mouths to breathe, which makes them look fierce. There are about 200 species of moray eels.

Reef Hunters

Moray eels are mostly nocturnal hunters. They have an excellent sense of smell to find prey in the dark. Their long, thin bodies let them chase fish and octopuses into narrow crevices. Some morays hunt together with other fish species to catch prey.

Double Jaws

Moray eels have a second set of jaws hidden in their throat called pharyngeal jaws. When they bite prey, the second jaws shoot forward to grab the food and pull it down. Moray eels are the only animals known to use this method. It works like the creature in the movie Alien!

Fun Facts

• Moray eels have a second set of jaws inside their throats that shoot forward to grab prey.
• The giant moray eel can grow up to 10 feet long.
• Moray eels sometimes team up with grouper fish to hunt together.

Did You Know?

Moray eels are not as scary as they look! They open and close their mouths to pump water over their gills for breathing, not because they are trying to bite.