What is the rarest moray eel?
Channomuraena vittata is a rare species of moray eel from the Anguiliformes order found in reefs. It is commonly known as the broadbanded moray, banded moray, Chinese moray, double-ended moray, or the long-jawed moray.
How many species of moray eels are there?
200 species
Moray eels, or Muraenidae (/ˈmɒreɪ, məˈreɪ/), are a family of eels whose members are found worldwide. There are approximately 200 species in 15 genera which are almost exclusively marine, but several species are regularly seen in brackish water, and a few are found in fresh water.
What eats the moray eel?
Moray eels have few predators. Their predators are usually the apex predator in their ecosystem. Grouper, barracuda, sharks, and humans are common predators of moray eels. However, moray eels and grouper have been found to work together at times to hunt.
Are moray eels intelligent?
Are moray eels intelligent? Yes. While it can be difficult to determine the intelligence of fish species, moray eels are thought to be cleverer than most. They can cooperate with other fish for hunting purposes, and they can learn the routines of their prey to better stalk them and flush them out.
What do you do if you see a moray eel?
If you see a moray eel, do not agitate it or lure it to you for any reason. If you keep moray eels in your fish tank, never attempt to hand-feed them or put your hands into the tank. Long tools are available for tank care and cleaning to help you avoid getting bitten.
Is it safe to touch a moray eel?
You should never touch a moray eel, it is one of the most dangerous creatures you will come across while diving. You may not get bitten every time and there is no need to take unwanted risks.
What happens if you touch a moray eel?
Moray eels may also generate crinotoxins, which can destroy red blood cells. These toxins may make you more susceptible to developing infections and could also be the reason moray eel bites are so painful.