Moray eels belong to the family Muraenidae and are true eels, distinct from other eels (like electric eels) thanks to several anatomical features.
Unlike most fish, they lack pectoral and pelvic fins, and instead have elongated dorsal, anal and caudal fins that run along their body. This gives morays a laterally compressed, ribbon-like appearance that helps them slither through tight reef crevices.
Morays also possess pharyngeal jaws — a second set of jaws within their throat that can reach forward to grip slippery prey like fish and crustaceans. Combined with large teeth and powerful upper jaws, this makes them skilled predators in shallow water environments.
Because of the risk of ciguatera poisoning, moray eel meat is generally not consumed by humans.
