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awesome moray eels by Dr J Floor Anthoni (2007) www.seafriends.org.nz/issues/res/pk/moray_eels.htm
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Find more about the Poor Knights.
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-- Seafriends home -- index
to marine reserves in NZ -- Poor Knights index
--
Rev:20071028,
The yellow moray (Gymnothorax prasinus)
is New Zealand's most common moray eel although it is not found in the
South Island. It prefers coastal waters and is not as common on the outer
islands like the Poor Knights. Its colour varies from yellow-green to yellow
and yellow-brown with blue eyes. It is an inquisitive fish although not
often seen in the open. The yellow moray can be approached and handled
with some care, because it is not typically a biter. Moray eels appear
to defend territories against other moray eels, but may be seen sharing
a hole with other species of moray eel.
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The grey moray eel (Gymnothorax nubilus)
could be called the laughing moray because of its upturned mouth. It is
a very inquisitive small eel that is often found in the open by day, clambering
into seaweeds. It is greenish-grey in colour, the smallest of New Zealand's
moray eels, and has a distinguishing tall dorsal fin. It can easily be
approached, and although it is not a biter, it will give a nip out of curiosity,
after which it visibly 'apologises'. Once that has happened, it can be
approached easily. An important tip is not to pull one's hand back, which
is an instinctive reflex, but to yield instead. Then the eel will let go
without causing lacerations. At worst one can end up with a few pin holes
in one's fingers.
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The spotted moray (Gymnothorax prionodon) is rather rare, also at the Poor Knights, but it is more common further north at the Cavalli Islands. The spots on this moray are often clear white, which suggests that it is able to change its colour somewhat. It has a dark snout. The spotted moray is very shy and difficult to photograph. It won't let itself be handled.
The mosaic moray (Enchelycore ramosa)
is the most dramatic of all, because of its size and sharp fangs. It has
teeth even in the roof of its mouth, reason why it is unable to close its
mouth. However, its fearsome appearance belies its nature, as it is not
a biter and can be approached with a lot of patience. It is a big and very
strong eel.
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The speckled or mottled moray
(Gymnothorax obesus) is also a strong moray eel with a short
stocky snout and very strong jaws. I haven't dared play with this one yet,
as it appears to be a biter but is very shy. It is rarely found along the
coast. Speckled morays behave aggressively towards each other, and are
perhaps territorial.
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