Green Moray

Overview

The Green Moray is a large, iconic moray eel native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Despite its name, the eel is actually brown, but appears green due to a thick layer of yellow mucus that coats its skin to provide protection against parasites and bacteria.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widely distributed throughout the western Atlantic, ranging from New Jersey and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They are benthic inhabitants commonly found in rocky shorelines, coral reefs, mangroves, and occasionally sandy bottoms. They exhibit strong site fidelity, often remaining in the same reef or crevice for extended periods.

Appearance

As the largest moray species in the tropical Atlantic, the Green Moray can reach lengths of up to 2.5 meters. Its body is elongated and snake-like, lacking both pectoral and pelvic fins. The mouth is lined with sharp, rear-hooked teeth, and the eel is frequently observed with its jaw open, which is a necessary behavior to circulate oxygen-rich water over its gills rather than a sign of aggression.

Biology & behavior

Primarily nocturnal, these eels spend their daylight hours hiding in dark crevices or caves. They are solitary and territorial, though they may occasionally coexist with cleaner shrimp that remove parasites. While they are generally calm, they can be dangerous if provoked, and their bites are known to be particularly painful and prone to infection.

Feeding

Green Morays are opportunistic ambush predators that rely on a highly developed sense of smell to locate prey, as their vision is relatively poor. Their diet consists of fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and octopuses. They utilize a specialized pharyngeal jaw system to grasp and swallow prey, and for larger items, they may wrap their bodies into a knot to tear the food into manageable pieces.