Giant moray eel
Red Sea marine life

Giant moray eel

Large head poking out from a coral hole, keep fingers well clear.

All Red Sea marine life

About this species

Big, up to 3 metres, but spends most of the day hidden in coral crevices with only its head showing. The constant mouth movement isn't aggression, it's just how they breathe. They have powerful jaws and second pharyngeal jaws inside the throat that can deliver a serious bite.

Where to find it

Coral crevices and overhangs, all destinations, 3–20 m.

Safety for snorkelers

Common questions

Giant moray eel: is it dangerous for snorkelers?+

Caution. Never put a hand inside a hole, moray bites are serious. Keep distance.

Giant moray eel: where can you see it in Egypt?+

Coral crevices and overhangs, all destinations, 3–20 m. These trips go where this species lives. It is a wild animal, so a sighting is possible and never promised.

Giant moray eel: how big does it get?+

1.5–3.0 m

More Red Sea species