In our seas and oceans there is a large amount de peces with various strange shapes and all kinds of sizes. An example of this is the sunfish. Having almost no resemblance to other fish, it doesn't even look like it was a fish. Today we are going to analyze in depth a fish that is known as eels and is classified as fish. They are not snakes per se, but they look like one. Its about moray eel.
Do you want to discover all the secrets that this curious species hides? Read to know more.
Key features
The moray fish is large and belongs to the Muraenidae family. We have said that they are known as eels because they belong to the order Anguiliformes. The main characteristic of all specimens of this order is that They have no pectoral or ventral fins. In addition, they have a smooth, flaky skinThis genus is quite common in the Mediterranean and is abundantly represented in tropical and subtropical seas.
The moray eel has a body quite elongated of the type of an eel and can reach up to 1,5 meters in length. Its weight is usually around 15 kg, although in most specimens it tends to be somewhat larger. The coloration varies between shades of dark gray to brown with some fine dark spots. Its skin is slimy and scaleless, as mentioned above, and is covered by protective mucus which reduces friction and acts as a barrier against pathogens.
The dorsal fin starts behind their head and continues to the caudal fin fused with the anal fin. They do not have pectoral fins and their long, pointed teeth They are designed to hold slippery prey. Their mouths are long and robust, reaching behind the gills. If you see a moray eel opening and closing its mouth, remember that this action serves to pump water into the gills, is not necessarily a sign of attack.
In addition to these features, brunettes present two pairs of nostrils (nasal openings), one at the tip of the snout and another above or behind the eyes, which enhance their extraordinary sense of smell. In many species, the head is narrow and lacks a strong suction force when feeding, so they have developed a unique adaptation among vertebrates: pharyngeal jaws mobiles that project from the throat to grasp and move the prey towards the esophagus.
Within Muraenidae two subfamilies are distinguished: Muraeninae (the dorsal fin starts just behind the head, where it is located for example Helen Muraena) and Uropterygiinae (with fintal bands shifted towards the end of the tail, known as snake morays). The family includes numerous genera, including Gymnothorax, Muraena, echidna, Enchelycore, Rhinomuraena, Strophidon y Uropterygius, with a wide diversity of color patterns and sizes (some tropical species are well over one and a half meters tall).
Range and habitat
The moray eel extends along the Mediterranean Sea. It is represented by its appearance in tropical and subtropical waters ranging from the eastern part of the ocean Atlantic from Senegal to the British Isles. It also appears in Macaronesian archipelagos such as Azores and Canary Islands, and in numerous coral reefs in warm regions around the world.
As for the natural habitat, they usually prefer the rocky areas of the sea, such as coral reefs, walls and bottoms with cracks and caves where they find perfect shelter to stalk. In the Mediterranean they are observed among 5 and 80 meters depth, although most sightings are concentrated at relatively shallow depths. In summer they may come closer to the coast, while in colder waters they tend to occupy somewhat deeper areas.
The moray eel of the Mediterranean Sea leads its life in a solitary and territorialThey usually keep their territory of origin and have night activityIt is common to see them poking their heads out of the mouth of their shelter, sometimes associated with conger eels (leave leave) or in the presence of cleaner shrimp such as Lysmata seticaudataThese shrimps perform a mutualistic symbiosis removing food debris and parasites from the moray's skin and oral cavity.
The reproduction of this fish is not well understood, so we won't be able to cover it in this post. The only thing that is known is that they produce a large number of eggs during spawning. Nearly 60.000 eggs, for example. Because there are so many, they are prone to parasites such as trematodes. Folliculovarium mediterraneum and the flatworm Lecithochirium grandiporum. In addition, it is de peces oviparous and the larvae, called leptocephalusThey are transparent and pelagic; they spend weeks or months drifting before metamorphosing and settling to the bottom.
Possible confusion in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean moray eel (Helen Muraena) presents a pattern brown with yellow and black spots very distinctive. It is difficult to confuse it with the tiger moray eel (Enchelycore anatina), orange in color and with very visible teeth, or with the they died (Gymnothorax unicolor), more uniformly brown in color.
Relationship with fishing and culinary value
Although it is not a species of high commercial interest, it is caught sporadically. The most effective way is by harpoon, locating specimens in their cavities; it also enters lures in rockfishing already baits in surfcastingHistorically, in the Roman age They were highly appreciated in gastronomy and were raised in coastal nurseries. Today their consumption is more limited and depends on the region (for example, in some Atlantic island areas). In large tropical species, caution should be exercised due to possible bioaccumulated toxins (e.g., ciguatera); traditionally, its meat has been prepared in marinade or well cooked.
Meals
This species is carnivorous and scavengerDuring its active period, it hunts other fish and cephalopods. Occasionally, it can be found hunting other moray eels. His eyesight is not very good and, therefore, they base their hunting mainly on their smell. In this way they manage to track their prey.
It is a scavenger when it cannot find any other type of food. This animal is situated as a high-ranking predator at the top of the food chain on its reefs. It is capable of eating other animals relatively larger than itself, especially in small spaces where its body muscular and flexible allows you to maneuver with advantage.
What makes the moray eel at the top of the food chain is that it is a large, vigorous predator. Its jaw has a highly developed system consisting of a second jaw which opens when the first one is already open.
To feed, it grabs its prey with its first jaw and pulls outward, snapping down onto the prey. These jaw adaptations make the moray eel a great biting machineMost fish rely on opening their large jaws rapidly, causing negative water pressure to suck prey into their mouths.
This is the eel's ability to swallow fish and large creatures whole. Additionally, some moray eels use the technique of knot with the tail to tear apart chunks of bulky prey (e.g., octopus). It is common to observe cleaning relationships with shrimp (Lysmata seticaudata) that remove food debris from their mouths and skin, and have been documented in tropical reefs cooperative hunts with groupers, where both predators benefit.
Brown fish in captivity
From what can be guessed, it is quite difficult to have a fish with these characteristics in aquariumsHowever, it's not impossible. Certain recommendations are required to ensure the fish leads a healthy and peaceful life. This species is only recommended for those with advanced experience in the world of aquaristics.
He is prone to suffer skin diseases. Because they have no scales, they are extremely sensitive to a number of medications and, when transported from their natural habitat, they can bring multiple parasites with them. To avoid this, it is best to place them in quarantineParasitism is relieved with a good sterilizer. UV in the tank. Not only will it help prevent many diseases, but it will also provide greater stability to the aquarium.
Regarding its behavior, it is a fairly calm fish that does not usually bother the rest of the aquarium companions. But nevertheless, black moray fish can become aggressive with members of their own species and others that are similar. Other than that, they are generally quite shy. You have to be careful about housing other species de peces too small compared to them, since with the such a big mouth that has available can swallow and swallow them without any problem.
Observe how it behaves with other fish, you can have it with fish that are your size.
Practical aquarium requirements
- Volume and cover: spacious aquariums with plenty of rocks and caves; for medium-sized moray eels, more than 400–500 liters. Essential airtight lid or safe grid: they are excellent escape artists.
- Parameters: in marine, stable salinity and powerful filtration with good movement; in estuarine or freshwater species, many actually require water brackish in its adult phase.
- Feeding in captivity: offer quality meaty prey (fish, squid, shrimp), 2–3 times per week, avoiding overfeeding. It is not recommended handfeeding; use long tweezers.
- Companions: fish of similar or larger size, avoiding invertebrates that could be preyed upon. Monitor for conflicts with species with similar shape (conger eels, other moray eels).
Diseases
Diseases attack these fish, although they do not usually give much trouble if the aquarium is well cared for and well maintained. The river moray fish is even more prone to diseases than the sea fish. If we notice some symptoms of illness, we must quarantine it and isolate the tank. They can reach float on the surface to soothe your skin when you feel very irritated or stressed.
They usually respond well to many medications and heal quickly. You should never use copper in a tank of river moray eels or it could become infected. In general, copper-based medications and other aggressive treatments are not well tolerated by scaleless fish; consult alternatives such as praziquantel for trematodes, controlled baths or environmental management (improved water quality and UV).
When keeping multiple fish, it's common for all of them to be infected even before the first warning signs can be observed. The best way to prevent the disease is to give the fish a suitable environment and provide them with a well-balanced diet. Among the most common pathologies in moray eels are:
- External parasites (trematodes and nematodes) and protozoa on the skin and gills; observe rapid breathing or rubbing.
- Bacterial infections secondary to bites or rubbing against rocks, which cause redness and ulceration.
- Osmotic stress due to inadequate salinity in brackish species, which depresses the immune system.
- Nutritional deficiencies by monotonous diets; alternating types of fish and cephalopods of good origin.
A well-sized UV sterilizer, regular water changes, stable parameters and preventive quarantines are the best insurance policy for your health.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLd4FedXUnY
Although its appearance is imposing, the moray eel is a fascinating fish: eel-like, nocturnal and stealthy, a key piece of reefs and rocky bottoms. Recognize its features (lack of pectoral fins, protective mucus, sharp teeth and pharyngeal jaws), understand your the habitat And knowing how it feeds and is cared for in captivity will allow you to enjoy it safely, whether diving or in an advanced aquarium. By respecting its space, avoiding touching it and maintaining stable aquarium systems, risks are minimized and its natural behavior.