Scientific name : Muraena helena
Family : Muraenidae (moray eels, 207 species)
Size : Up to 150 cm
Distribution : Mediterranean Sea, but also on the Moroccan coast and in the Bay of Biscay
Biology : Many myths surround moray eels. It is said that they emerge from the sea at night to mate with vipers, or that in ancient times, slaves were thrown to the moray eels for show! These are all legends! The moray eel is a harmless animal, preferring to hide or flee in the face of danger.
It is a very important predator for the balance of the marine ecosystem. It feeds on fish and molluscs, mainly octopus.
IUCN status : Least concern
