Depending on the prey type, the eel might wrap itself around it, and crush the victim until it is small enough to be swallowed, or it might tear pieces from the body and eat the prey bite-by-bite.ДЄlthough moray eels have large eyes, it is believed they do not see well rather, they locate their prey using a very good sense of smell, and by feeling vibrations in the water around them. When a prey animal passes by, it pounces on it. The moray eel is an ambush predator, spending a considerable amount of time hidden in caves, rock crevices, or coral reefs. Moray eels are often aggressive to other fish, including individuals of the same species, so they often have to be kept singly. They are commonly known as the masters of escape, so a secure tank with a tight-fitting top is required. Keeping eels in general requires specialist knowledge and attention. However, many people who buy morays as a pet underestimate the great size to which they can grow. Some of them are responsive to being tickled, and have been reported as вЂњdog-likeвЂќ in this respect. Approximately 12 of the 200 species are suitable for the home aquarium, but only 5 species are considered as suitable to be kept with other fish. The smaller species of moray eels are sometimes kept as pets. Some pet moray eels can be tamed to a limited extent, but they have not been domesticated. The larger species are a great tourist attraction for scuba divers in some localities, however, these species can be aggressive and dangerous able to unexpectedly inflict serious injuries with lightning-quick speed. Some moray eel species are fished for commercially as food. They hunt and eat a variety of foods including fish, mollusks (octopuses, squid, cuttlefish), crabs, and other hard-shelled invertebrates. The largest populations are found around tropical coral reefs. Moray eels are found worldwide in both deep and shallow waters, but tend to prefer warmer temperatures. In either case, they spend most of their time hiding in rock crevices, caves, or cracks in coral reefs. Most moray eels are marine, but they can be found in brackish or fresh water. For example, the banded moray eel ( Gymnothorax rueppelliae) is lighter during the day, and darker at night. Color-Changing вЂ“ Some moray eels can change color in order to enhance their camouflage.

Viper Moray вЂ“ There is one species of moray eel called the вЂњ viper morayвЂќ ( Enchelynassa canina), because its teeth are so large and sharp.

To protect themselves, they produce a slippery protective mucus, which in some species contains toxins.

Mucus вЂ“ Although moray eels are fish, they lack scales.

These point backwards to prevent prey from escaping their grasp.

Teeth вЂ“ Unlike other eels, moray eels have two lines of teeth.

This lifestyle has led to several interesting adaptations. They live a rather sedentary life, waiting in hidden places for prey to pass near them. Moray eels are carnivorous, and ambush predators. Their underside is often a contrasting pale color that helps them avoid predators. Moray eels come in a wide variety of colors including black, gray, brown, yellow, green, blue, orange, and white вЂ“ all of which may occur as spots, blotches, stripes, or other patterns, some of which are highly complex. Most moray eels lack the pectoral and pelvic fins that other fish have.

Wolf eel life cycle