Moray eels can be dangerous in certain situations, but they’re not naturally aggressive toward humans. Most encounters are avoidable with caution. Key points

• Behavior and danger: Moray eels will typically retreat when disturbed. They may bite if provoked, cornered, or fed, and their bites are painful due to backward-facing sharp teeth and strong jaws. A bite can cause significant wounds and infection if not treated promptly.

• Venom and toxins: While commonly described as “poisonous,” morays are not venomous like venomous snakes; however, some species may have toxins in mucus or associated organisms in the environment that can complicate infections or, if ingested, cause adverse effects. The primary risk to humans is mechanical injury and infection, not systemic poisoning.

• Notable risks: Infections are the most frequent complication after a bite; ciguatera toxins are sometimes discussed in relation to morays that accumulate toxins through diet, but this is more about ingestion of contaminated fish than a direct bite risk. Proper wound care and seeking medical attention for bites are advised.

• Conservation and behavior context: Giant morays are generally shy and nocturnal, avoiding contact when possible; disturbance increases the chance of a defensive bite. They can be territorial, especially around their lairs.

Practical safety tips for divers and snorkelers

• Do not poke, grab, or feed moray eels. Give them space and avoid crevices where they may hide.
• Maintain a safe distance, especially near rocks and reef crevices where eels shelter.
• If you encounter one, stay calm, back away slowly, and do not corner it.
• If bitten: rinse with clean water, remove any debris, monitor for infection, and seek medical care promptly, as bites can require cleaning, tetanus updates, and possibly antibiotics.

Common questions

• Are moray eels poisonous? They’re not poisonously venomous in the typical sense; bites can cause infection rather than systemic poisoning. Some sources describe toxins in mucus or in prey relationships, but the primary hazard to humans is the bite wound and infection risk.

• Are all moray species equally dangerous? Most species are not aggressive toward humans; larger or more territorial species (like giant morays) may pose higher risk if provoked. Behavior can vary by species and individual temperament.

If you’d like, I can tailor safety advice to your location or the specific moray eel species you’re likely to encounter, or pull a quick, up-to-date summary of guidelines from diving safety resources.