Fish Active at night

Fangtooth Moray

Enchelycore anatina

iNaturalist Wikipedia

With its glass-like fangs and striking 'tiger' patterns, the Fangtooth Moray is one of the Atlantic's most visually stunning predators. This nocturnal eel turns rocky reefs into hunting grounds under the cover of darkness.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 80–120 cm (31–47 inches) in length; weight varies but generally remains under 3 kg (6.6 lbs)

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Colors

Bright yellow to golden-orange base with dark brown or black 'tiger' spots and reticulated patterns; fangs are translucent and glass-like

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Key Features

Arched jaws that prevent the mouth from closing fully
Large, prominent glass-like fangs
Vivid yellow skin with dark, irregular spotting
Narrow, elongated snout with small 'bird-like' eyes

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 9 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Carnivorous predator; feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp), and occasionally cephalopods

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Habitat Rocky reefs, volcanic caves, and coral-covered crevices from shallow waters down to 50 meters

Behavior

The Fangtooth Moray is a reclusive predator that spends the daylight hours tucked deep within the recesses of rocky reefs. Despite its menacing appearance—caused by a jaw structure that keeps its mouth permanently agape—it is not naturally aggressive toward humans. This open-mouthed behavior is actually a respiratory necessity, as the eel must constantly pump water over its gills to breathe. In the wild, they are solitary creatures, rarely seen in groups unless a particularly high-quality crevice or abundant food source is present.

When night falls, these eels become active hunters. They rely heavily on their acute sense of smell to locate prey in the darkness, often slithering through narrow cracks in the rocks where other predators cannot reach. While they are apex predators in their micro-habitat, they are cautious of divers and will typically retreat further into their dens if they feel threatened. Interactions with humans are rare and usually limited to underwater photographers or curious snorkelers.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Fangtooth Moray requires an underwater action camera or a specialized trail camera in a waterproof housing. Because these eels are nocturnal, your camera must have high-quality infrared (IR) or low-light sensors. For the best results, mount the camera on a weighted tripod or a fixed reef clamp near the mouth of a known crevice. Look for 'cleaning stations' where small shrimp are present, as these are frequent stops for the eels.

To lure a Fangtooth Moray into the frame, use a perforated bait box or 'chum bag' filled with oily fish like sardines. Secure the bait box approximately 1–2 meters from the lens. This will encourage the eel to leave the safety of its hole, allowing you to capture its full length and distinctive 'tiger' patterns rather than just its head. Set your camera to record short video clips (15–30 seconds) triggered by motion, though be aware that swaying seaweed can cause false triggers.

Placement is everything; aim the camera at a 45-degree angle toward a rocky ledge. In the Canary Islands or Madeira, look for volcanic rock formations with holes roughly 10cm in diameter. Ensure your housing is rated for at least 10 meters of depth even if you are in the shallows, as wave pressure can be intense. Using a wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the eel's entire body if it decides to swim past the camera.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Fangtooth Moray.

Mediterranean Moray

Darker, mottled brown skin and a much sturdier jaw that can close completely.

Brown Moray

Uniform chocolate-brown color without the yellow base or tiger-like spots of the Fangtooth.

Honeycomb Moray

Found in the Indo-Pacific, featuring a white base with black honeycomb patterns rather than yellow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Fangtooth Morays are primarily nocturnal. They spend most of the day hiding in rocky crevices and emerge after sunset to hunt for fish and crustaceans throughout the night.

Using a scent-based lure like a bait bag filled with mashed sardines or mackerel is highly effective. The eel's keen sense of smell will draw it out of its hole toward the camera station.

They are carnivores that hunt small reef fish, crabs, and shrimp. Their arched jaws and long fangs are specifically designed to grip slippery prey and prevent it from escaping.

They are strictly marine animals found in coastal rocky reefs. They are common sights for divers near seaside towns in the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean, but they do not enter freshwater or inland areas.

The Fangtooth Moray is easily identified by its bright yellow color and 'tiger' spots, whereas the Mediterranean Moray is usually dark brown or grey with white mottling. Most notably, the Fangtooth Moray has translucent, arched jaws that cannot close fully.

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