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Comprehensive information about diving and undersea medicine for the non-medical diver, the non-diving physician and the specialist. |
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photograph by Graeme Teague (Note cleaner fish)
Read
About Other Predators Here
Table of
Contents for Diving Medicine Here
Read
Frequently Asked Questions Here
There are 80 or more species of eels
of the family Muraenidae. Moray
eels occur in all tropical and subtropical seas. They live in shallow
water
among reefs and rocks and hide in crevices. They differ from other eels
in having small rounded gill openings and in generally lacking pectoral
fins. Their skin is thick, smooth, and scaleless, while the mouth is
wide
and the jaws are equipped with strong, sharp teeth, which enable them
to
seize and hold their prey (chiefly other fishes) but also to inflict
serious
wounds on their enemies, including humans. They are apt to attack
humans
only when disturbed, but then they can be quite vicious.
Moray eels are usually vividly marked
or colored. They generally
do not exceed a length of about 5 feet (1.5 m), but one species, Thyrsoidea
macrurus of the Pacific, is known to grow about 11.5 feet (3.5 m)
long,
but I'm unable to document this in the literature. Morays are eaten
sometimes,
but their flesh is often toxic and may cause sickness or death.
Morays enjoy rocky areas, can be
found living or just "hanging out"
in holes, under rocks, crevices and tidepool ledges. To prevent contact
and possible severe injury keep hands out of those rocky areas, holes
and
crevices. If you must, use a stick to probe. If you are fishing be
careful,
as dead fish, blood or bait will bring them out of their holes.
Frequently
lobsters will be in the same hole as the eel -- in this case at least
two
of the lobster's antennae (feelers) will be directed backward to keep
check
of the eel.
They injure you with their razor sharp teeth and powerful jaws that can lock. Injuries can result in bleeding, severe muscle damage - also chipped bones. Stop any bleeding, clean wounds thoroughly. Get medical help to guard against infection.
Managing
Injuries
See Divemaster's Quick Accident Response
Steps to take in case of severe trauma (of any kind)
Call for help and immediate transport
Open airway
Treat for shock on site and stabilize before evacuation
Face up neutral position
Direct pressure over bleeding wounds
CPR if no pulse or respirations
Keep warm
Be mindful of the possibility of neck injury
O2 if any question of hypoxemia (Low oxygen in the blood)
Splint limb injuries
See Divemaster's Quick Accident Response
Steps to take in case of severe trauma (of any kind)
Call for help and immediate transport
Open airway
Treat for shock on site and stabilize before evacuation
Face up neutral position
Direct pressure over bleeding wounds
CPR if no pulse or respirations
Keep warm
Be mindful of the possibility of neck injury
O2 if any question of hypoxemia (Low oxygen in the blood)
Splint limb injuries
Images, Moray Eels
Google
Images of Morays
Saltwater
Aquarium
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Ernest Campbell, MD, FACS All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer Page Honor Code Page |
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