This is the White Mouth Moray Eel also known as Gymnothorax meleagris.

It is brownish with white spots on it’s head and body. They only have one fin, which runs down the length of its back, which is identified as the dorsal fin. They can grow to be just over 3 feet in length, and are typically found protruding from a hole or small cave in the reef.

The Moray Eels have small circular gills. These gills are found on the backside of it’s mouth. This is why they are constantly opening and closing their mouths. They can look very intimidating, especially with their white mouth open. However, this typically is not a threatening behavior. They have to move/pump water over their gills in order to breathe. Even so, one should not approach to closely as they can/will bite if they feel threatened.

They are carnivores and hunt at night. They have what is called a “pharyngeal jaw”. During feeding, they use their outer jaw, which is sharp and curved, to grab and grip the prey (fish, octopus, squids, and crabs). Then the pharyngeal jaw jets forward and bites it’s victim. It will then pull it into it’s throat to ingest. Despite the bad wrap Eels often get, they are quite beautiful with many patterns and colors. The White Mouth Moray is no exception, don’t you think?

This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.

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