Moray Eel Anatomy
The anatomy of a Moray is quite interesting. Much like you would expect, the
Moray eel comes in many different shapes, sizes and colors. They can be 20 mm
long to 200 cm long. They can be as thin as a hotdog or as thick as your thigh.
They can be black, brown, or many different fluorescent colors.
They have small eyes with a large nose. The main structure of the Moray eel is
based on it’s back. It is a vertebrae creature, and has a long back that is
similar to that of a human. It doesn’t have many other main bones that
contribute to its movement. The most interesting thing about a Moray Eel is
it’s jaw bones and the way they operate. When you look at a moray eel, it’s
jaws look quite normal. They have small and very sharp teeth. You would think
these teeth are for chewing up and helping digest their food. They are not,
though.
The Moray eel actually has a second set of jaws that are recessed deeper in
their esophagus. For a long time, scientists thought this second jay was just
for grinding up the food that the moray eel eats so it is easier for digestion.
Just recently, though, scientists have determined that this second set of jaws
actually helps the eel when it attacks its prey. They shoot out and help grab
the eel’s prey and pull it down its esophagus. This is just another reason why
the Moray eel is still a mysterious and interesting creature.
More Information About Moray Eels
