Green Moray Eel for Kids Ages 6-8

Green Moray Eel

A Green Moray Eel shares its story, revealing that its green color comes from yellow slime over its dark skin. The eel describes its nocturnal life, using a keen sense of smell and a second set of hidden jaws to hunt. It also explains its friendly relationship with cleaner shrimp, who keep it healthy. The eel concludes by sharing its role as an important predator that has helped keep the coral reef ecosystem in balance since its species was named in 1839.

First Described 1839

Pharyngeal Jaws Function Published 2007

The Slippery Guardian of the Reef

Hello there! My name is Green Moray Eel, and my home is in the beautiful, warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. I have a little secret to share with you—I'm not actually green! It's true. My skin is a dark, grayish-brown color. So why do I look green? It’s because I’m covered in a layer of yellowish mucus. This mucus is like my very own superhero cape. It protects me from yucky germs and helps me slide smoothly into all the best hiding spots among the rocks and coral.

I am a nocturnal creature, which means I love the nighttime. When the sun goes down and the reef gets quiet, my adventure begins. I don't see very well, but I have a super-powered sense of smell that helps me find my dinner in the dark. I also have a secret weapon for catching my food. Hidden deep inside my throat, I have a second set of jaws! When a tasty crab or fish swims close, these special jaws shoot forward and grab my meal so it can’t get away. Sometimes, other animals see me opening and closing my mouth and think I look scary, but I’m not trying to be mean. I’m just breathing by pumping fresh water over my gills, kind of like how you take a deep breath.

Even though I might look a little tough, I have some wonderful friends on the reef who help me out. My best pals are tiny cleaner shrimp. They are very brave and crawl all over my skin and even right inside my mouth. It might sound strange, but they are doing a very important job. They eat up all the little pests that might try to bother me. This keeps me clean and healthy, and the shrimp get a yummy, free meal. It's a great deal for both of us! Our friendship shows how everyone on the reef can work together to help each other out.

My species has been known to scientists since 1840. They gave us our official name, Gymnothorax funebris, way back in 1840. I am a very important predator in my coral reef home. By hunting for my food, I help make sure there aren't too many of any one kind of animal. This keeps everything in balance and helps the entire reef stay healthy and strong. I am like a guardian of my colorful neighborhood, and I work hard to protect all the amazing creatures who live here with me.