MORENA PICOPATO

The Mediterranean moray eel, locally known as Morena picopato, is one of the most recognizable predators in the waters around Tenerife. With its long, muscular body and constantly open mouth, it may look aggressive, but in reality, it is shy and curious rather than dangerous. This “open mouth” behavior simply helps the moray breathe by pumping water over its gills.

Moray eels can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and usually live in rocky crevices, lava tunnels, and small caves formed by volcanic activity. Around Tenerife, they are often spotted peeking out from holes in reefs, watching divers pass by with bright, alert eyes.

These nocturnal hunters become most active at night, when they leave their shelters to search for fish, octopus, and crustaceans. During the day, they prefer to stay hidden, sharing their homes with cleaning shrimps that help keep their skin healthy.

One of the most fascinating facts about moray eels is their second set of jaws — called pharyngeal jaws — which shoots forward to grab prey, making them one of the ocean’s most efficient hunters. Despite their fearsome appearance, morays rarely attack unless they feel threatened.

Encountering a moray eel in the clear Atlantic waters of Tenerife is always a memorable moment — a glimpse into the secret life of the island’s volcanic reefs.