Giant Moray eel in Mauritius

The common moray, or brown moray, Muraena helena, is a marine predator living in the Mediterranean Sea, the eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean and in the seas of Mauritius. It is one of the most feared marine animals, mainly because of the bites it can inflict. Its ghostly way of moving, its snake-like appearance and its protruding teeth make it a mystical animal, sometimes feared, sometimes adored. On several occasions, it was represented as an evil animal in folklore and traditional cultures. Already, the Romans of the ancient times seem to show a great admiration for it. At that time, marine parks were set up at sea to breed and feed specimens. Some notables would have succeeded in taming individuals that came to feed in the hand. Sacrifices of slaves, thrown to feed hungry morays, could have taken place. However, these stories seem to be more of a legend. Nowadays, it is generally represented as devious and aggressive, like Flotsam and Jetsam in the Little Mermaid. This reputation is largely overrated. The moray eel is a shy and discreet animal that avoids contact with humans. It takes refuge most of the time in the rocks. It will only attack when there is a danger. Have you ever seen one face to face ?