The Mediterranean Moray is easily recognizable due to its elongated, snake-like body that can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh over 15 kilograms. Its coloration ranges from dark grey to dark brown, adorned with fine dark spots. The eel’s skin is slimy and scaleless. A distinctive feature is its continuous dorsal fin that runs from behind the head to the caudal fin, fused with the anal fin. Unlike many fish, the Mediterranean Moray lacks pectoral fins. It has long, sharp-pointed teeth typical of morays, and a long, robust mouth that extends behind the gills.
Mediterranean Morays prefer rocky bottoms and are typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 80 meters. They are a solitary, nocturnal, and territorial species, often spending their days hidden in cavities and clefts between rocks. At night, they become more active, hunting for fish, crayfish, and cephalopods, and occasionally feeding on dead animals. These eels are distributed throughout the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, including the waters around Malta.
The Mediterranean Moray is known for its solitary and territorial behavior, making it a unique encounter for divers. Despite their formidable appearance and sharp teeth, they rarely attack unless provoked. Their reproduction process remains somewhat mysterious, but it is known that they spawn around 60,000 eggs into open water, from which planktonic transparent leptocephali hatch. Mediterranean Morays also host several parasitic species, including the crustacean trematode Folliculovarium mediterraneum and the flatworm Lecithochirium grandiporum.
Maltas excellent diving spots where you can encounter the Mediterranean Moray in its natural habitat. Three prime locations known for their rocky topography, perfect for spotting these eels, are:
Diving at Reqqa Point on Gozo’s north coast, where divers often see Mediterranean Morays at depths of around 15 meters. The rocky crevices and underwater caves provide an ideal environment for the Mediterranean Moray to thrive.
Hondoq Bay diving area on the southeast coast of Gozo, features rocky ledges and crevices that make it a perfect hideout for these elusive eels. The diverse underwater terrain makes for an exciting dive experience.
Cirkewwa reef on the northwest coast of Malta, is another great site with rocky formations and underwater structures that offer plenty of hiding spots for Mediterranean Morays. This popular dive site is well-known for its clear waters and rich marine life.
With Malta’s clear waters and diverse marine life, encountering a Mediterranean Moray at these sites is a thrilling experience for divers.
