Giant Moray

Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC

Giant morays at North Reef can exceed 2 metres in length and are found in every substantial coral crevice along the reef slope, often with their heads and anterior third of the body visible as they pump water across their gills. Cooperative hunting between giant morays and roving coral grouper has been documented at Netrani, with the grouper signalling the location of prey hiding in crevices and the moray flushing it into open water. Their mottled brown-yellow colouration and permanent half-open mouth displaying numerous teeth is one of the defining visual experiences of diving the Karnataka coast.