Mediterranean moray

Photo: Susanne Spindler · CC BY-NC-ND

A large female Mediterranean moray has occupied the Secchia's stern section for many years and is one of Ustica's most famous resident animals. Morays have a low metabolism and remarkable site fidelity — individuals maintain territories around specific crevices or cavities across their entire adult lives, which can exceed 10 years. The Secchia moray has grown accustomed to divers hovering nearby and will sometimes extend several body lengths from her hiding place, giving excellent close-range observation opportunities.