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Spotted Moray

Spotted moray eels are formidable predators, known for snapping down prey with their powerful bite. Surprisingly, because of bad eyesight, they rely on their sense of smell, taste, and touch, rather than eyesight, to find their prey.

 

True to their name, spotted morays are typically a white or pale yellow covered in small dark spots. They typically grow to about 0.6 meters (1.9 feet) long, but larger individuals can get up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long. They can be found along the western coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean as well as throughout the Caribbean. These eels dwell in shallow waters on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky areas.

These predators often don’t go far to hunt, keeping most of their body concealed in holes in the reef or rocks while their head sticks out to snatch up prey. These fish eat a variety of prey, including small fish, octopus, and crustaceans. They are even known to eat invasive lionfish — whose populations have been rising rapidly in western Atlantic waters as they have few predators due to their venomous spines. These ferocious predators can be aggressive towards humans and typically it is best to avoid spotted moray when they are encountered.

 

 

Spotted morays are not majorly commercially fished, although they can be targeted by local fisheries and sold in local markets. They can also be targeted for the aquarium trade in certain areas; however, these are not considered major threats to these eel’s survival.

 

 

Protecting the reefs and other habitats where spotted morays live can help these animals continue to thrive. Learn more about Oceana’s campaigns to protect important habitats.

 

 

 

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