Giant Moray

The largest moray eel in UAE waters and one of the largest in the world. Regularly spotted by divers at Fujairah and Khor Fakkan reef sites — their massive muscular bodies wedged into reef crevices with only the head visible, mouth rhythmically opening and closing to pump water over their gills. Despite their fearsome appearance, attacks on humans are almost always provoked.

Species Stats

Diet

Fish, octopus, crustaceans

Habitat

Coral reefs, rocky crevices, reef walls and ledges

Local Name (Arabic)

أنقليس ضخم

Fun Facts

• 1

  The largest confirmed specimen reached 3 metres long and weighed 30 kg.

• 2

  Has a second set of jaws (pharyngeal jaws) hidden in its throat that shoot forward to grip and pull prey inward — like the monster in the Alien films.

• 3

  Regularly cleans parasites off other fish — large groupers and Napoleon Wrasse queue outside moray hideouts for a cleaning session.

Found In