Splash Zone: Coral Reef Animals

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Zebra moray eel

CORAL REEF HOME

These striped eels make their homes in narrow coral caves. They hide all day then swim out at night to hunt along the cracks and crevices of the reef, using their sense of smell to find prey.

Fun fact: These snakelike fish don't have scales. Instead, a slimy coating of mucus covers their bodies and protects them.

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Ouch! Doesn't that hurt?

These eels eat mostly crabs, mollusks and spiky sea urchins. They have tough mouths and strong jaws. Their flat, wide teeth are perfect for crunching and crushing hard shells.

Just breathing

Tucked into the reef with only their heads sticking out, moray eels

constantly open and close their mouths, showing their many teeth. But they're not making threats; that's just how they breathe.

MORE CORAL REEF ANIMALS

Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation