Green Moray Eel

Photo: Aureliane · CC BY-NC

Green morays are the signature species of Ilha das Cobras, with large individuals occupying nearly every substantial crevice in the boulder reef. Their apparent aggression is mostly respiratory — the continuous mouth-opening that exposes their impressive teeth is the mechanism for pumping water over their gills, not a threat display. They hunt octopus and small fish at night using a highly developed sense of smell, and their population density here suggests excellent reef health and prey availability.