Moray eelMuraenidae

Moray eels (Muraenidae) are marine fish with elongated, snake-like bodies that lack pectoral and pelvic fins. Dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are continuous, forming a single fringe along the back and belly. They possess thick, scaleless skin, often patterned with cryptic spots, bands, or mottling, and range in length from 30 cm (1 ft) to over 2.5 metres (8.2 ft). The family name Muraenidae derives from muraena, a prized dish in ancient Rome.

Morays inhabit crevices and caves within coral and rocky reefs, typically from the surface down to 50 metres (165 ft). Primarily ambush predators, they feed on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, hunting mostly at night. Their commonly observed open-mouthed posture is a respiratory action, not aggression, as they continuously pump water over their gills.