The Mysterious Moray Eel: Separating Fact from Fiction
Moray eels are some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean, with their unique appearance and behavior. Despite their popularity, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding these creatures. In this post, we'll separate fact from fiction and explore the mysterious world of moray eels.
Myth: Moray eels are aggressive and attack humans.
Fact: Moray eels are not naturally aggressive and will only attack humans if they feel threatened or provoked. In most cases, they will try to avoid humans altogether.
Credit: Francisco Jesus Navarro Hernandez, Unsplash
Credit: Johnny Africa, Unsplash
Myth: Moray eels are not really eels.
Fact: Moray eels are, in fact, true eels and belong to the family Muraenidae. They are distinguishable from other eels by their elongated bodies, pointed snouts, and lack of pectoral and pelvic fins.
Myth: Moray eels have poor eyesight.
Fact: Moray eels have excellent eyesight and are able to see well in low light conditions. They also have an acute sense of smell and can detect prey from a distance.
Myth: Moray eels only live in tropical waters.
Fact: While moray eels are commonly associated with tropical reefs, they can also be found in temperate and even cold waters. Some species can be found as far north as Norway and as far south as New Zealand.
Credit: David Clode
Myth: Moray eels are solitary creatures.
Fact: While some moray eels are solitary, many species are known to live in pairs or small groups. They also have a symbiotic relationship with other species, such as cleaner shrimp and small fish that help keep them free of parasites.
In conclusion, moray eels are truly fascinating creatures that are often misunderstood. While they may look intimidating, they are not naturally aggressive and play an important role in the marine ecosystem. As we continue to learn more about these mysterious creatures, we can gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of life in the ocean.
Bibliography:"Moray Eels." National Geographic, 2021, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/group/moray-eels/."Moray Eels." Florida Museum, 2021, www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/muraenidae/."10 Fascinating Facts About Moray Eels." Divein, 2020, divein.com/moray-eels/."Eels - Moray Eel." The MarineBio Conservation Society, 2021, marinebio.org/species/moray-eels/.
Header Image Photographer: David Clode