moray & diver

IDENTIFYING FEATURES COLOUR, SHAPE AND SIZE	The shape and colours of this eel are unmistakable. It is robust, with a shortened head, blunt snout and long, tapering tail. Dark-brown blotches surrounded by yellow reticulations cover the entire body in a honeycomb pattern. Can attain 150 cm in length.
EXTERNAL ANATOMY	The honeycomb moray has no scales, and the smooth body is covered with mucus. The dorsal and anal fins are connected by a flap of skin around the tail, and together they form a continuous, spineless fin extending from the head region to the tail, and from the tail to the vent, which is located towards the front of the body. The large jaws have powerful teeth as well as a row of tangs along the middle of the palate. A small, round gill opening occurs in the middle of both sides of the head.
NATURAL HISTORY	This powerful, aggressive predator normally lurks in the dark holes and deep caves of coral and rocky reefs, where its cryptic colours and patterns make it difficult to spot. It often shares this gloomy habitat with crayfish. These crustaceans are heavily preyed upon by octopuses which are, in turn, a favourite food of the moray. The association is, therefore, one of mutual benefit, as octopuses entering the lair in search of prey, provide the moray with a ready food source, while the crayfish receive protection from their major predator. Though its bite is not poisonous, many divers will attest to this eel's savage jaws. It is especially aggressive when cornered or when its territory is threatened. Nevertheless, it is possible to hand-feed this fish and it will readily take food from a diver.
So if you don’t want to be bitten: Do not carelessly shove your hand into strange places.