What is the origin of the Moray's name?

The name 'Moray' is derived from its elongated shape, reminiscent of a quiver called 'Utsubo' in Japanese, used to hold arrows. This association is due to the moray's slender and long body. Additionally, in the Kansai region of Japan, hollow spaces are referred to as 'Utsuhora', which aligns with the moray's habit of dwelling in rock crevices.

Why does the Moray live there?

Morays are found from Shimane Prefecture to southern Kyushu in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and from Chiba's Tateyama to Yakushima in the Pacific. They inhabit warm, shallow waters but require hiding spots such as crevices. Morays can often be envisioned lurking within holes or pipes with only their heads protruding, a behavior facilitated by their nocturnal nature. They prefer complex terrains like rocky areas and tetrapods where they can hide and ambush prey, though they are also active at night.

What does the Moray eat?

Morays are carnivorous, consuming fish, mollusks, squids, and even other eels or morays. Octopuses are particularly favored, which, like morays, tend to hide in holes, making them readily available in shared habitats. Octopuses, therefore, often fall prey to morays, their natural predators.

Is the Moray related to eels?

Morays belong to the order Anguilliformes, family Muraenidae, genus Muraena, making them distant relatives of eels. Their elongated, serpentine swimming style is reminiscent of eels. However, unlike eels, morays have large mouths and sharp teeth.

Are there really transparent Morays?

Yes, but more precisely, it's the moray larvae that are transparent. Known as 'Leptocephalus larvae', these young morays have a wide, leaf-like, translucent body which is quite unlike their grotesque adult form. They drift in ocean currents, flexing their bodies to swim.

Do baby Morays look very different from adults?

Indeed, many marine creatures undergo dramatic transformations as they mature, a process known as 'metamorphosis'. Morays transform through three stages, changing from transparent larvae to slender brown juveniles, and finally into thick, mottled adults. The transition from a clear to a grotesque appearance is particularly striking.

Are Morays difficult to bite off pieces of their prey?

While morays are known for their aggression and ability to prey on various marine animals, they find it challenging to bite off pieces of their food. They can bite with their sharp teeth and strong jaws, but if they cannot swallow their prey whole, they may tie their long bodies into knots to leverage and tear it apart.

Why do Morays always seem to have their mouths open?

Although it may seem like morays are always ready to bite, they keep their mouths open not to attack but to breathe. They draw water into their mouths to extract oxygen, which is how they breathe.

Morays have very small eyes and limited vision. Studies suggest that morays can only detect light and have a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to locate prey.

Do Morays have two sets of jaws?

Yes, morays are unique in having two sets of jaws. The first set is located at the front of their mouths and is equipped with large, sharp teeth for capturing prey. The second set, known as pharyngeal jaws, extends from the throat to help transport food to the stomach.

What happens if you get bitten by a Moray?

While morays generally do not attack humans unless provoked, they can inflict serious injuries if threatened. Fishermen and others engaging in aquatic activities should be cautious of morays, especially since they can leap out of the water to capture prey like crabs.

Do Morays have venom?

Not all morays are venomous, but those that are, such as the venomous moray species known as 'Doku Utsubo', are hazardous. These morays live in the seas around Okinawa and the southwestern islands, recognizable by black markings around their gill openings. Their venom is potent, and caution is advised when near their habitat.

Morays are indeed consumed in some regions of Japan. They can be prepared in various ways such as sashimi, soup, stewed, fried, or in donburi. Particularly during the cold season, morays are prized for their thick, gelatinous skin and rich, fatty meat. They are often prepared like pike conger eel due to their strong bones.

What nutrients are found in Morays?

Morays are not only a delicacy but also rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and collagen, which are beneficial for health and beauty. Folklore suggests that eating moray can improve eyesight and promote lactation.

Who are the natural predators of Morays?

Despite their formidable appearance and aggression, morays do have natural predators, including larger carnivorous fish. Humans also pose a significant threat through fishing and habitat disruption.

Is it true that Morays can change sex?

Yes, some species of morays, such as the ribbon eel, are known to undergo sequential hermaphroditism, changing from male to female as they mature. This transformation is rarely observed and considered a lucky sighting.

Animal Article

Moray

Morays may invoke an image of slithering grotesqueness and aggressive behavior, often seen in clusters at aquariums that may send chills down your spine. However, how many people truly know about the ecology and characteristics of morays? In this article, we delve into the lesser-known ecology of morays.