FORAYS WITH MORAYS (2): SPOTTED IN THE BAHAMAS…
I’ve been neglecting the moray eels. It’s ages since I did a post about them, and it’s time to put that right. Specifically, time to take a look at Spotted Morays Gymnothorax moringa. These eels can grow up to 2 meters, and live mainly in the sub-tropical waters of the Atlantic. They are solitary creatures, most often seen with just their heads protruding from holes and fissures reefs and r0cks. They have interesting dental arrangements (see below) and their bite is one that, all things being equal, is probably best avoided… Here’s what to look for.
ADULT SPOTTED MORAYS
TOOTHSOME CRITTERS (FANGS FOR THE MEMORY…)
WICKLE BABY MORAY. MORAYKIN?
Photo credits: all amazing photos courtesy of Melinda Riger of Grand Bahama Scuba; Props to ‘Earl the Eel’ who appears in some of them!
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
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Love the green ones too!
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Hi Ellen, that’s good, because the green ones will be next on the list – more great shots of Melinda’s. But not for a week or 2 I expect… RH
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Amazing pictures peering into the creature’s mouth. I had no idea that the teeth were arranged on the roof of the mouth like that.
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It’s a remarkable configuration, certainly – and easy to see how prey, once caught, stays caught! [Local eel news: saw a fine freshwater eel in the Frome at Maiden Newton a couple of days ago, about 2ft long – not seen one before]
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These photos of M. Riger’s are unbelievable! Fantastic close-ups, looking right down their scary little throats. Awesome colors in your Abaco waters too, RH. 🙂
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Shows how they hang on to their prey, Jet! And the vivid colours indicate a healthy coral reef (the third longest barrier reef in the world), though sadly that isn’t the case in all places, which is being investigated…
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