A moray eel is a type of long, snake-like fish that lives in warm ocean waters, especially around coral reefs and rocky crevices. Unlike most fish, moray eels have no scales: their skin is smooth and often covered in a protective layer of mucus. They can grow anywhere from two feet to over ten feet long, depending on the species.

Moray eels spend most of their time hiding in caves and holes in the reef with just their heads sticking out. They constantly open and close their mouths, which looks threatening but actually helps them breathe by pumping water over their gills. Despite their fierce appearance and sharp teeth, moray eels rarely attack unless provoked or defending their territory. They're carnivores that hunt at night, using their excellent sense of smell to find fish, octopuses, and crustaceans.

What makes morays unusual is their hunting partnership with groupers. These two species actually hunt together: the grouper signals to the moray, and they work as a team to corner prey, with the eel slithering into crevices the grouper can't reach. This is one of the rare examples of different fish species cooperating.

Divers sometimes encounter moray eels while exploring reefs. The eels look intimidating with their gaping mouths full of teeth, but they're generally more interested in staying hidden than in confronting humans.