Moray eel

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2. Moray eels or Muraenidae are a family of cosmopolitan eels. The approximately 200 species in 15 genera are almost exclusively marine, but several species are regularly seen in brackish water, and a few.

   
   
   
   
   
4. Scientific name: Muraenidae
   

DESCRIPTION: These slender, predatory bony fishes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Sometimes they are called painted eels because of the bright coloration of certain species. The skin of morays is thick and lacks scales, and most species have low dorsal (top) fins and lack pectoral and pelvic fins.

SIZE: From 15 cm (6 in.) to 4.5 m (15 ft.)

DIET: Fishes, octopuses, and crustaceans

INCUBATION: Oviparous (egg laying)

LIFE SPAN: Long lived - some species probably live to 30 years or more

HABITAT: Generally found in shallow reef areas

Facts about Moray eel:

Size of the Moray eel depends on the species. It ranges in length from 6 inches to 15 feet. Average weight of the moray eels is 30 pounds.

Moray eel has a long and slender body which resembles to snake, but they do not belong to the group of reptiles - they are true fish.

Color of the moray eel varies from black to yellowish brown. Underside of their body is pale.

Moray eel has a long dorsal fin which runs from the head to the tail. Most moray eels lack pectoral and pelvic fins.

Moray eel spends most of its time hidden in the caves and rock crevices on the bottom of the sea. It attacks like an ambush predator that is waiting for the perfect prey to appear.

Moray eel uses specific technique while hunting other animals. They grab a prey using the element of surprise and wrap its body around it until it becomes flattened enough to be swallowed. Other option is to tear apart the victim and eat it one bite after another.