Green Moray Eel (Scientific name : Gymnothorax Funebris), These elongated eels have a distinctive green color which is created due to a mucus which is actually yellowish in color, mixed with a brownish/grey skin color which combines to give the impression of the eels’ distinctive greenish tint. This layer of mucus is in place to protect the eel from parasites and diseases.

This Eel has the same classic long “snake like” body as most Eels are attributed to, with a long Dorsal fin which runs across its entire back connecting to its Caudal or tail fin. They have no scales and have two very noticeable tube-like nostrils protruding from their faces, with their sense of smell, which is known to be their strongest sense. Some sources estimate their average length at 6 feet and others around 5.91 feet as a more exact figure.

These Eel’s open and close their mouths in a repetitious or constant manner whilst swimming. This is done in an almost mechanical fashion to pump water required for respiration through their gills.

They are very commonly found in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida Keys. The Eels are Benthic meaning they operate on the Sea-bed level and habitat in Coral Reefs, Mangroves and Rocky Shorelines.

Although Bonaire doesn’t have a big threat of danger for those diving/snorkeling, caution should be used when approaching large Green Moray Eels, they have two rows of sharp teeth on their upper jaw and one on their bottom and have been known to give a vicious bite, which can be extremely severe. They, however, rarely attack unless first provoked but have been known to bite divers who try to feed or probe reef holes and crevices without correct caution.

Green Morays are solitary sea-creatures and have no parental involvement with their off-spring. They are nocturnal hunters, using their keen sense of smell to find their prey, more often than not either fish, crustaceans, cephalopods and/or shrimp. They are known to not be fussy eaters, and eat almost any species of fish so long as they can tear it with ease and consume it. They are very skilled at maneuvering in between crevices and holes where they hunt for their prey.