Creature Feature Encyclopedia: Osteichthyes

Moray Eel family Muraenidae Number of Species Worldwide: 100

Moray eels have snake-like bodies up to nine feet long. Their shape enables them to slip in and out of small openings in their rocky reef habitats. Most morays hunt in the evening or at night, finding their food through an excellent sense of smell. During the day morays rest in rock crevices. Moray eels are generally aggressive, but when handled correctly, they have been known to become very gentle and playful.

~A Swim through the Sea © 1994