European moray eel
Muraena helena
Sighting evidence at Uluburun Wreck Area, Kaş
Photo: frahome · CC BY-NC
The European moray eel is the apex ambush predator of Mediterranean rocky reef crevices. It hunts octopus and fish using a second set of pharyngeal jaws that shoot forward to grip and drag prey inward, a mechanism unique among vertebrates. Despite their fearsome reputation they are shy and rarely approach divers unless provoked or hand-fed.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
European moray eel is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.