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In this video we see an encounter with the Mediterranean Moray, Muraena Helena, made with three different cameras and therefore from various angles. We are on a submerged rocky wall about forty meters deep and we see the moray eel with the body partially out of its hole.
Murena mediterranea Moray Eel Muraena Helena intotheblue.it
In fact, during the day these animals remain practically pitted assuming this classic position to control their territory; while usually at night they hunt by coming out of the den, searching the seabed in search of food.
As in other articles with these images we dispel the myth of the aggressiveness of the moray eel. Muraena Helena practically keeps its mouth always open, thus showing its powerful teeth, in order to breathe and channel the water into the small gill operculum behind the head to extract oxygen.
Murena mediterranea Moray Eel Muraena Helena intotheblue.it
In the video we got close enough to be able to see the central tooth located in the palate, thanks to this the moray bite is practically infallible. Clamping the mouth these curved canines create a vice from which it is practically impossible to escape.
Moray eels can only be aggressive towards divers when they feel really threatened, and therefore react by biting. The moray eel is absolutely not poisonous contrary to what is believed. However, his saliva contains neurotoxic and haemolytic substances. In the event of a bite, there is a risk that infections will develop, because food residues that develop pathogens are often present between his teeth.
Since it is quite common in our seas, there is always a fish whose encounter is unusual and beautiful to be photographed, since during the day it spends most of its time in the hole and therefore is difficult to find.
