Giant Moray Eel, Gymnothorax javanicus
Photo copyright Tim Nicholson.
Taken in the Egyptian Red Sea.
Giant Moray Eel, Gymnothorax javanicus.
The largest of the moray eels, growing up to 3 m. Quite common and always interesting to observe. Feeds primarily on fish, occasionally on crustaceans and octopus. Morays live in holes and generally hunt by night: locating their prey by their excellent sense of smell. You may see them rhythmically opening and closing their mouths. They do this to maintain a respiratory current past the gills. Morays undergo a sex change during growth, changing from male to female.
