Moray Eel Jaws

Client: National Science Foundation

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Moray Eel Jaws

How do long, slender snake-like creatures manage to stuff large, struggling prey into their narrow mouths and down their throats without using paws or claws? A new study reveals that the slender, snake-like moray eel–which may reach up to about nine feet in length–captures and consumes its prey (usually large fish, octopuses and squid) with a unique strategy that involves using two sets of jaws.

Credit: © Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation

Great job!

Rita S. Mehta
Postdoctoral Researcher
Section of Evolution & Ecology
University of California