The honeycomb moray (Gymnothorax favagineus), or tessellated moray, is a large and striking eel found in Thailand’s tropical waters. It is easily identified by its black and white honeycomb-like pattern, which provides excellent camouflage among coral reefs and rocky crevices. Commonly spotted in the Similan Islands, Koh Tao, and the Andaman Sea, this species can grow up to 3 meters long.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the honeycomb moray is not aggressive unless provoked. It primarily hunts fish and crustaceans, using its sharp, backward-facing teeth to grip prey. Though not venomous, its powerful bite can cause serious injury. These eels are nocturnal, spending the day hidden in caves and emerging at night to hunt. Divers often see them resting in reef crevices with their mouths open, a behavior that helps them breathe.
As an apex predator, the honeycomb moray plays a crucial role in maintaining reef ecosystems by regulating fish populations. However, threats such as habitat destruction and overfishing put pressure on their survival. Conservation efforts in Thailand, including marine protected areas, help preserve these fascinating creatures and their underwater habitats for future generations.
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