Bitten by a moray eel?

[c-snake]

Many years ago I was swimming along a small ledge about four feet from the bottom when I felt something on my leg. I looked down and it was a spotted moray around two and a half feet long clamped onto my wetsuit.

It took a little prodding to get him to release. Brave little guy.

 

[paulwall]

Many years ago I was swimming along a small ledge about four feet from the bottom when I felt something on my leg. I looked down and it was a spotted moray around two and a half feet long clamped onto my wetsuit.

It took a little prodding to get him to release. Brave little guy.

I got chased by a 2' spotted moray in Boca, he didn't want his picture taken.

The chihuahuas of diving. Big attitude in a little body.

 

[MBH]

Here's a link to an exceptionally bad Moray bite. I'll think twice before playing around with a Moray.
ttp://www.wemjournal.org/wmsonline/?request=get-document&issn=1080-6032&issue=03&volume=015&page=0194

 

[pir8]

Ouch!!!

 

[tridacna]

oops.. someone posted earlier

 

[diver 85]

Unsure if the right place to post, but, has it ever happened to anyone that you know of ?
Their open jaws are intimidating even if it is only their breathing posture and we are always cautious around them.
But, would they bite a diver ?
Miguel

Oh yes they will, my older son(then 19 y.o. living on Roatan) 'bout had his left index finger taken off by 'his pet' green eel........have 35 mm pictures of the eel all over my office here taken before the 'accident'.....He used to feed him all the time & this time thought his finger was a piece of fish(supposed to have poor eyesight is what I've always heard)...lol....must be careful, they are 'wild animals' still........GEAUX TIGERS.........

 

[ScubaSarus]

If you are going to feed them, then feed them; don't tease like in the video or they will become agressive.

 

[Garrobo]

Just looking at a Moray eel tells me that they are evil and will bite your a** if you provoke it.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Garrobo, I agree with you 100%. You just have those "Im going to lose a chunk of flesh feeling" around those eels with long sharp teeth.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Here's pictures of a yellow margin moray eel who bit me once. This eel is a local attraction, and I used to tickle him to make him swim around for my guests. He wised up to the fact that confined hiding spots leave his tail unprotected. Now he only hangs out in the bigger holes. I tickled him mid body and my hand was magically inside his very large mouth. I was very lucky he didn't shake his head, no lasting damage.

This eel is nearly 6' long, but really thick.

My arm would easily fit inside past my elbow, mouth wider than my fist.​

Most eels are not interested in human flesh, you could slowly put your finger(s) right up to their nose without getting bit. Most bites are from quickly reaching into/grabbing next to holes, or teasing.