There are more than 200 species of moray eels distributed across 15 genera.

The Mediterranean moray eel can reach up to 5 feet in length. The moray eel has an elongated, snake-like body that is flattened vertically.

Its skin is smooth and scale-less. Its dorsal, caudal and anal fins form a single undulating crest.

The moray eel lacks both pectoral and pelvic fins.

The moray eel has sharp teeth and an excellent sense of smell.

The Mediterranean moray eel has a dark brown body with yellow spots.

The Mediterranean moray eel is found in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the British Isles.

The Mediterranean moray eel lives in rocky crevices. It is mostly sedentary but has several shelters among the rocks where it can be found.

The moray eel can be found from the surface to depths of around 330 feet.

The Mediterranean moray eel feeds on fish, crustaceans and octopuses which it hunts at night.

Due to their nocturnal nature, the reproduction of the Mediterranean moray eel is still not well understood. The female lays eggs - about 0.2 inches in size - between July and September which hatch into small, flattened and transparent larvae.

The Mediterranean moray eel regularly opens and closes its mouth to oxygenate its gills.

The mediterranean moray eel is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The mediterranean moray eel appears in the IUCN Red List since 2015 within the category Least Concern !

Approach the Mediterranean moray eel gently without disturbing it and avoid placing your hand near its head. This will help you avoid a bite which could quickly become infected without careful disinfection.