Moray Eel
All About Eels
Eels glide through the water with a grace reminiscent of snakes, and their long, slender bodies make them look quite similar!
What Are Eels?
Eels have elongated and slender bodies. They resemble snakes and can easily navigate through narrow crevices in rocks. Most species inhabit the sea, but some – like the European eel – migrate between freshwater and saltwater. They lack pelvic fins and propel themselves by moving their bodies in a wave-like motion.
Main Characteristics of Eels
1. They Have a Long, Slender Body
Eels are predatory fish. To catch their prey, eels hide in tight, narrow rock crevices. Their elongated, narrow, and flexible bodies assist them in this.
2. They Lack Pelvic Fins
Pelvic fins aid in swimming, but they can be quite cumbersome when trying to squeeze through tight gaps and tunnels. Over time, these pelvic fins have regressed.
3. They Move in a Wave-Like Manner
Since they do not have pelvic fins, they move their bodies in a wave-like fashion to propel themselves forward – much like snakes, but in the water.
Eel Family Tree
Amazing Facts About Eels
- There are over 1,000 species of eels.
- The most well-known species is the moray eel.
- Eels have long, narrow bodies that look like snakes.
- Eels mostly live in the ocean.
- Most eels are found in tropical waters, but the European eel and the American eel can also be found in cooler climates.
- They are carnivorous. They eat other fish, crustaceans, insects, worms, and snails.
- The largest eel is the giant delta moray, which can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) long.
- The smallest eel is the Snyder moray, reaching only about 4.5 inches (11.5 cm).
- The oldest eel is the New Zealand longfin eel, which can live up to 106 years.
- The deepest diving eel is the Ilyophis robinsae, which has been spotted at a depth of 2,982 miles (4,800 meters).
Species List
