E is for Eels

Meet the Moray Eel

Moray eel inside an aquarium habitat.

The mysterious moray eel at St Andrews Aquarium

With its watchful eyes, long snake-like body and impressive jaws, the moray eel is one of the most striking underwater animals you can meet at St Andrews Aquarium.

Moray eels may look a little menacing at first glance, but their fearsome reputation is not quite fair. These fascinating fish are usually shy, secretive creatures that prefer hiding away in rocky crevices rather than looking for trouble.

They are masters of the underwater hide-and-seek world — and once you spot one, it is hard not to be completely fascinated.

Explore more of our amazing animals here: Our Animals

What Is a Moray Eel?

Moray eels are a type of fish known for their long, muscular bodies and powerful jaws. Unlike many fish, they do not have obvious scales, giving them a smooth, almost slippery appearance.

They are found in warm tropical and temperate waters around the world, especially around coral reefs, rocky areas and sheltered underwater spaces.

Many moray eels spend much of their time tucked away in cracks, caves and reef crevices, with only their head showing as they watch the world swim by.

Where Do Moray Eels Live?

Moray eels are usually found in warmer waters than those around the Scottish coast. In the wild, many species live among tropical coral reefs, rocky seabeds and coastal habitats.

These environments give them plenty of hiding places, which is perfect for an animal that likes to stay tucked away until food passes close by.

While you are unlikely to meet a tropical moray eel while paddling at East Sands, you can get a much closer look at one during your visit to St Andrews Aquarium.

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What Do Moray Eels Eat?

Moray eels are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. Their diet can include:

• Small fish

• Crabs

• Shrimp

• Squid

• Octopus

• Other small marine animals

Rather than chasing prey across the reef, moray eels often wait hidden among the rocks. When food comes close enough, they strike quickly.

It is a clever hunting style that suits their secretive lifestyle perfectly.

Why Do Moray Eels Open and Close Their Mouths?

If you see a moray eel opening and closing its mouth, it might look like it is trying to be scary — but it is actually doing something very important.

Moray eels move water through their mouths and over their gills to help them breathe. So that dramatic open-mouth look is not a threat. It is more like underwater breathing with extra theatre.

Do Moray Eels Have Two Sets of Jaws?

Yes — and this is one of the most amazing moray eel facts.

Moray eels have a second set of jaws called pharyngeal jaws. These are located further back in the throat and help move food down once the eel has caught it.

It sounds like something from a science-fiction film, but it is a real adaptation that helps moray eels feed effectively in tight reef spaces.

Are Moray Eels Dangerous?

Moray eels should always be respected, like all wild animals, but they are not the aggressive monsters they are sometimes made out to be.

Most moray eels would rather hide than interact with people. In the wild, problems can happen when people get too close, try to touch them or attempt to feed them by hand.

At the aquarium, visitors can safely observe these incredible animals and learn why they are such an important part of marine ecosystems.

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Moray Eel Fun Facts

Moray eels can swim backwards

Unlike many fish, moray eels can move backwards through the water. This helps them retreat into rocky hiding places and navigate tight spaces.

They come in many colours and patterns

Moray eels can be brown, black, green, yellow, spotted or patterned, depending on the species and habitat. Some have markings that help them blend beautifully into reefs and rocks.

They rely heavily on smell

Moray eels do not have the best eyesight, so they use their excellent sense of smell to help find food.

They sometimes get cleaned by other animals

Small cleaner fish and shrimp may help remove parasites from a moray eel’s skin. It is a brilliant example of teamwork in the ocean.

Female moray eels can lay thousands of eggs

During breeding season, female moray eels can release thousands of eggs into the water. Only some will survive to become young eels, as many are eaten by other marine animals.

Why Moray Eels Matter

Moray eels play an important role in the ocean. As predators, they help keep reef ecosystems balanced by controlling populations of smaller animals.

They may look unusual, but that is exactly what makes them so brilliant. Moray eels are clever, secretive and superbly adapted for life among rocks and reefs.

So next time you visit St Andrews Aquarium, take a closer look. You might spot one watching from its favourite hiding place.