Green moray eel up close
Green moray eels are often seen by scuba divers along coral reefs. Though these eels are not currently threatened, they are still highly impacted by changes in the environment, and very susceptible to the damaging effects of overfishing and ocean pollution.
The green moray eel is actually brownish; a thick layer of slime gives it the greenish hue.
Morays have two sets of jaws. In addition to their front jaws lined with tiny, spear-like teeth, moray eels have a set of secondary jaws called pharyngeal jaws.
They're located inside of the throat, and they're thrust forward into the mouth to latch onto prey and drag them backward.
This is quite unusual for pharyngeal jaws; most of the time, they're just used to break down food and assist with digestion.
Moray eels are the only known animals that use them as an active weapon against their prey.
Photograph by Tony Rath
Green Moray Eels move among the coral like dancers with sharp teeth and an inquisitive attitude.
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