Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2015

European moray eel

Muraena helena

Sighting evidence at Uluburun Wreck Area, Kaş

Photo: arseniivesnin · CC BY-NC

The European moray eel is the apex ambush predator of Mediterranean rocky reef crevices. It hunts octopus and fish using a second set of pharyngeal jaws that shoot forward to grip and drag prey inward, a mechanism unique among vertebrates. Despite their fearsome reputation they are shy and rarely approach divers unless provoked or hand-fed.

Evidence at this site

6 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Last confirmed Nov 2025

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

European moray eel

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites