Biting the Hand That Feeds

By Chris Doyle on July 26, 2012 in Other

When most people think of moray eels they think of tropical coral reefs. However, these magnificent creatures can be found right along Australia’s vast coastline, even extending as far south as Tasmania.

There are over 150 species of moray eel across the world with more than 50 species being found in Australia. Four species are found around Sydney, with the green moray being the most commonly seen species around the Eastern Beaches. Juveniles of some tropical species are also found around Sydney, but these eels migrate back to the tropics when they get older.

Unlike other fish, moray eels lack pectoral and pelvic fins and this gives them their snake-like appearance. They also look like snakes when they swim, with their bodies shimmying from side to side. Moray eels are quite elegant swimmers and can swim just as well backwards as they do forwards – very handy for swimming in and out of crevices.

Morays live in rocky reefs and are often seen with their orange heads sticking out of crevices in the rock. If you have ever watched a moray for a particular amount of time, you would have probably noticed that their mouths are nearly always open. This is sometimes mistaken as an indication that they are ready to bite, but they are actually just breathing. Moray eels have very small gills, so by slowly opening and closing their mouths in a gaping fashion they force more water across their gills to help them breathe more efficiently.

Moray eels have relatively poor eyesight and rely on their keen sense of smell to catch food. When hunting for a meal, usually at night, they conceal themselves amongst the rocks and pounce on any unsuspecting prey that passes by. They are renowned for their ability to strike at lightening fast speeds. Fish, octopuses and crabs are usually the food of choice.

Morays are the only animals known to use a second set of jaws, called pharyngeal jaws, when seizing prey. These jaws are located deep within the throat and are thrust forward into the mouth to help grip the prey and drag it down into the eel’s stomach, leaving little chance for the prey to escape. Both sets of jaws are lined with large piercing teeth that can tear through the toughest of skins. When feeding, morays will often tie themselves into knots to anchor themselves down while they tear their food apart.

There have been reports of divers losing fingers due to bites from moray eels and this has led to a common misconception that moray eels are aggressive towards humans. However, morays are shy creatures and will usually only attack when threatened or provoked. Bites have usually occurred when people have tried to feed a moray. As the eel’s eyesight is poor, it cannot tell where the food ends and the fingers begin, much to the dismay of whoever is silly enough to feed it.

Moray eels can be seen on rocky reefs right across the Eastern Beaches. They usually live in shallow areas and can be spotted while snorkelling. They are a delight to see, but remember not to provoke or feed them, and just admire them for the magnificent creatures they are.