The Mediterranean Moray Eel is often viewed as a dangerous, aggressive fish and we are used to being warned about its temper. In reality, it is much more harmless than we are inclined to imagine.
Moray eels do have a rather threatening appearance, with their mouths always wide open and displaying an impressive set of long, thin, sharp teeth. But don’t be prejudiced: this is not an aggressive attitude – it is simply the way they breathe! However, considering that they are particularly short-sighted, it is not advisable to get too close to a moray’s jaws, as it may feel threatened and therefore react to defend itself. Its bite is very painful and the risk of infection is quite high given the high bacterial load present in its jaws, thanks to the fact that it often feeds on carrion.
But it’s not poisonous or deadly!!!
A bit of history
It is said that, in ancient times, moray eels were much appreciated by the Romans; the wealthiest, in fact, had personal pools built to house them and it is even rumored that the eels were fed with slaves (although there is little historical proof to this).
This kind of unfounded bad reputation, however, not only affects the poor Moray Eel, but also very often the gentle Cassiopea (upside-down jellyfish) is subject to this kind of wrong gossip, along with the innocuous Salps.
