Moray eels are ubiquitous in Hawai'i, found in holes or beneath rocks during the day.  Because of this habit it is unwise to place hands or feet near these areas without looking first to avoid being bitten in self-defense.  Morays are generally docile unless provoked and their gaping mouths are simply pumping water over the gills.  Most species hunt in the open at night for fish, crustaceans, and octopi, relying upon their keen sense of smell instead of their comparatively poor eyesight.  Most genera have large pointed teeth designed to capture fish while Echidna and Gymnomuraena use molar-like teeth to crush shellfish.  Morays lack pectoral or pelvic fins and the thick leathery skin envelops the continuous marginal fin.  The gill opening is a simple hole behind the head.  Moray eels should not be eaten since they prey upon reef fish and are likely to cause ciguatera poisoning.  The generic Hawaiian name is puhi.

 

STEINDACHNER'S MORAY

STOUT MORAY, pale form

STOUT MORAY, typical

STOUT MORAY, rare form

WHITEMOUTH MORAY

YELLOWMOUTH MORAY

ELEGANT MORAY

YELLOWMARGINED MORAY

GIANT MORAY

WHITEMARGINED MORAY

DWARF MORAY

UNDULATED or GREENHEAD MORAY

YELLOWHEAD MORAY

LIPSPOT MORAY

SLENDERTAIL MORAY

PEPPERED MORAY

PEPPERED MORAY

BANDED or BARRED MORAY

 ZEBRA MORAY

SNOWFLAKE MORAY

VIPER MORAY

DRAGON MORAY

KIDAKO MORAY

SHORTTAIL SNAKEMORAY

TIGER MORAY

BERNDT'S MORAY

LARGEHEAD SNAKEMORAY

RIBBON MORAY

RIBBON MORAY, Juvenile

HONEYCOMB or LACED MORAY

FIMBRIATED MORAY

WHITE-EYED MORAY

CALIFORNIA MORAY

PEPPERED MORAY

JEWELED MORAY

SPOTTED MORAY

GOLDENTAIL MORAY

GREEN MORAY

CHAIN MORAY