Moray Eels

Pattaya Aquatic Life

Moray Eels Pattaya

Learn about Moray Eels around Pattaya

Moray Eels are one of the most intriguing inhabitants of Pattaya’s underwater world. Known for their elongated bodies and menacing appearance, these eels captivate divers with their mysterious nature and behavior. Exploring the diverse dive sites around Pattaya provides a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Where to Find Moray Eels in Pattaya

Moray Eels can be found in various dive sites around Pattaya, including:

Koh Sak Deep Reef: A rich habitat for marine life, Koh Sak Deep Reef is a great place to encounter Moray Eels hiding among the rocks and coral.
Koh Klung Badan Deep Reef: Known for its deep, clear waters, this reef offers excellent opportunities to spot Moray Eels.
Koh Khrok: This site features a variety of hiding spots where Moray Eels can be seen peeking out.
Underneath The Shipwrecks: The shipwrecks around Pattaya provide numerous nooks and crannies that serve as perfect hiding places for Moray Eels.

These locations offer the best chances to observe Moray Eels in their natural habitats.

How to Identify Moray Eels

Identifying Moray Eels involves recognizing specific features:

Body Shape: Moray Eels have elongated, snake-like bodies with a continuous dorsal fin running along their length.
Head and Mouth: They have a distinctive head shape with large, sharp teeth visible when their mouths are open.
Coloration: Their coloration varies widely, ranging from spotted patterns to solid colors, depending on the species.
Eyes: Moray Eels have small, round eyes set back on their heads.

Moray Eels Characteristics & Behaviour

Moray Eels exhibit unique characteristics and behaviors:

Ambush Predators: They are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to come close before striking quickly.
Habitat: Typically found hiding in crevices, holes, or under rocks, where they can remain concealed from both prey and predators.
Feeding: Their diet primarily consists of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. They use their sharp teeth to grasp and tear their prey.
Solitary Nature: Moray Eels are generally solitary, often occupying the same hiding spot for extended periods.

Interesting Facts about Moray Eels

Second Set of Jaws: Moray Eels have a second set of jaws, called pharyngeal jaws, located in their throat, which they use to pull prey into their digestive system.
Nocturnal Hunters: They are primarily nocturnal, becoming more active and hunting for food at night.
Skin and Mucus: Their skin is smooth and lacks scales, and they secrete a protective mucus that can make them slippery and difficult to handle.
Diverse Species: There are over 200 species of Moray Eels, each with its own unique color patterns and behaviors.

Moray Eels are a captivating part of Pattaya’s marine ecosystem. Their unique appearance, behaviors, and adaptations make them a highlight for divers and marine enthusiasts exploring the region.