Most Moray Eels open and close their mouth to "breathe" by pumping water over their gills.

Puhi Kauila or Viper Moray Eel
Enchelynassa canina

Description • The species name of this eel means "dog-like" in reference to one of the longest and sharpest sets of teeth in the family. It is possibly one of the most dangerous of Hawaii eels, however they are nocturnal and not commonly seen. They grow to about 5 feet in length and vary in color from reddish brown to dark gray.

Habitat • Sometimes found in pairs the Moray Eel species spend a good portion of their lives in the recesses of the reef.

Diet • Eels are night feeding carnivores that eat fish or invertebrates. They use their keen sense of smell to locate their prey as they swim over the reef.

Did you know that Conger Eels have a sharp sense of smell to seek out their prey at night?

Conger cinereus marginatus

Description • Conger Eels grow about 4.5 feet long. Most species have a large mouth and short tube nostrils. Their bodies are smooth, with no scales and are cylindrical in shape. The body of this eel is brownish gray. As the larva grows it's body changes shape. It remains in the cave during the day while it's head can be seen protruding from the entrance. The Conger Eel is the preferred species for eating in Hawai'i over moray eels.

Habitat • Most species are normally found in cooler temperature or deep slope waters, but some species can be found in shallow waters. They can be found on reef flats, caves, and under ledges.

Diet • The Conger Eel is considerd to be a carnivore and eats fish or invertebrates. Some of their favorite foods are the octopus, lobster, crab and shrimps. It comes out at night to look over the reef for food.

Did you know the Puhi Uha lips have a free margin on the side that looks like a mustache?

The Hawaiian population of the Conger cinereus (below left) is recognized as a subspecies named Conger cinereus marginatus (above left).

In old Hawai'i the conger eel was the preferred eel to eat.

Conger cinereus

Description • The nocturnal conger eel can grow up to 4 feet in length and weigh from 5 to 100 pounds. They appear gray during the day and have dark brown bands at night. The fold of skin along their mouth looks somewhat like a mustache and unlike other eels they have a well-developed pectoral fin. Their teeth are very small

Habitat • The Conger Eel hides in shallow reef and rock crevices.

Diet •. The bottom feeder conger eel preys on fish, crustaceans, and octopi.

Zebra Eels can often be seen swimming out in the open.

Zebra Eel or Puhi
Gymnomuraena zebra

Description • This is one of the easier eels to identify. Their dark orange brown body is encirlcled with light colored stripes. They have blunt teeth but can their vice- like bite is strong.

Habitat • Zebra Moray Eels live in reefs and are often seen swimming in open water.

Diet •. Feed primarily on crabs.