The Indian Ocean - Eels and Rays
Moray Eels, Mikunga (Swahili)
Moray eels are common reef predators, usually remaining hidden during the day with only their heads showing from crevices in the coral. Although rather heavily built, they are extremely graceful swimmers. They have tough, thick skin and conspicuous teeth. A common size is about 80 centimeters (32 inches), but lengths of up to 240 centimeters (almost 8 feet) have been reported and 120 centimeters (4 feet) is not uncommon. I once saw a Moray that was roughly 180 centimeters (6 feet) long and as thick as a man's thigh in relatively shallow water. It really is an impressive sight. Although not generally aggressive, Morays should not be provoked. The section on Potential Hazards deals more with this subject.Stingrays, Shepwe (Swahili)
A generally unappreciated group of reef inhabitants, Stingrays are graceful swimmers and enjoyable to watch. They are really only a threat when they lie half-buried in the sand in shallow water. Shuffling your feet through the sand is usually enough to scare them off, a topic covered further in the Potential Hazards section. When swimming over sandy patches it is often possible to see the outlines of rays in the sand and, if you are fortunate, one will emerge and swim away while you watch.Electric Rays, Kiteza (Swahili)
Closely related to the Morays, Electric rays are equipped with small electric organs on either side of their disc-shaped body. Used mainly as a defensive mechanism, the organs can give a sharp shock. Although not as common as their cousins, Electric rays can be seen in most of Kenya's reef areas and coral gardens. Home |
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