Moray Eel Life Cycle
A moray eel is unlike any other species of animal. They go through different
stages in their life, and each step helps determines what they become when they
are fully-grown. Eels start as a tiny Larva. At this point, they do not have a
sex. They slowly move south with the currents and begin to develop.
It takes about three years for the tiny larva to move down south with the
current. Many larva do not complete this first part of their journey, as they
often become part of plankton can be eaten by whales and other sea creatures.
Once the eel has completed this first journey of their life, they will
determine their sex. Eels who stay at the location south will become males.
Eels who begin to travel upstream will become females. After a short period of
time, the eel will begin to change color. They will either turn brown or will
develop florescent like colors. After about five years, the eel will be fully
mature.
The eels will grow the capability to reproduce. They will stop feeding and
begin the long journey back north to where they were born. When they get there,
they will spawn. One eel can lay over 10,000 eggs. After the eel has spawned,
it will die. They have completed their life cycle. Very few of the larvae
actually make it through their whole life cycle. They are either caught, eaten
by birds and other fish, or are caught by fisherman.
More Information About Moray Eels
