Kaix
08-04-2006, 01:08 PM
Skinny Fish
Moray eels are common reef fish belonging to the family Muraenidae — yes, long, slender fish without pectoral or ventral fins. Yet little is known about them. For instance, estimates of the different moray species are in the range of 80 to 200, from the serpentine giant moray measuring 2.5m to the brightly coloured golden moray at only 25cm.
Do the Locomotion
Protected in a clear mucous layer, the moray has a long single dorsal fin that encircles its body starting from its head before the single gill aperture, extending over its tail, and ending midway down its stomach. Due to the lack of fins, the animal undulates its scale-less body, dorsal and anal fins to swim; head first for forward movement and tail first for reverse.
Pelagic Spawners
Little is known about the mating habits of moray eels as they do not thrive in captivity. Though its home is typically in holes and crevices, the animal is known to congregate in the open during mating season. Morays also frequently pair up during mating season, as suggested in this picture of a pair of pearl-eyed or white-eyed moray eels, (Siderea thyrsoidea). After intertwining their bodies, sperm and eggs are released into the water column. Studies have shown that morays begin their life as males and change into females later in life (terminal phase), and may go through colour changes during sex change.
What’s for Tea?
Found worldwide, these sinuous creatures continually open and shuts their mouth for respiration, exposing rows of fangs — some species spot a third row, in the middle of its upper jaw. A moray’s diet consists of crustaceans, fish and octopus, usually swallowed whole. Some species have been observed anchoring themselves on corals and rocks ready to catch its prey. A moray has a keen sense of smell, but its eyesight is poor, so keep your fingers to yourself as it might just mistake it for an octopus.
Moray eels are common reef fish belonging to the family Muraenidae — yes, long, slender fish without pectoral or ventral fins. Yet little is known about them. For instance, estimates of the different moray species are in the range of 80 to 200, from the serpentine giant moray measuring 2.5m to the brightly coloured golden moray at only 25cm.
Do the Locomotion
Protected in a clear mucous layer, the moray has a long single dorsal fin that encircles its body starting from its head before the single gill aperture, extending over its tail, and ending midway down its stomach. Due to the lack of fins, the animal undulates its scale-less body, dorsal and anal fins to swim; head first for forward movement and tail first for reverse.
Pelagic Spawners
Little is known about the mating habits of moray eels as they do not thrive in captivity. Though its home is typically in holes and crevices, the animal is known to congregate in the open during mating season. Morays also frequently pair up during mating season, as suggested in this picture of a pair of pearl-eyed or white-eyed moray eels, (Siderea thyrsoidea). After intertwining their bodies, sperm and eggs are released into the water column. Studies have shown that morays begin their life as males and change into females later in life (terminal phase), and may go through colour changes during sex change.
What’s for Tea?
Found worldwide, these sinuous creatures continually open and shuts their mouth for respiration, exposing rows of fangs — some species spot a third row, in the middle of its upper jaw. A moray’s diet consists of crustaceans, fish and octopus, usually swallowed whole. Some species have been observed anchoring themselves on corals and rocks ready to catch its prey. A moray has a keen sense of smell, but its eyesight is poor, so keep your fingers to yourself as it might just mistake it for an octopus.