Moray Eels

One of the predators of sea urchins that eat sea urchins is moray eels.

Members of the moray eel family may be found all over the world. There are over 200 species in 15 genera, all of which are mostly marine. Both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems are home to moray eels. Most species are exclusively marine and never venture into freshwater. The most well-known of the few freshwater species is Gymnothorax polyuranodon. Their bodies are often patterned, and some species' mouth inside are as well.

Just beyond the skull, down the back, the dorsal fin connects smoothly with the caudal and anal fins. Most species have a serpentine look due to the absence of pectoral and pelvic fins. Because of their tiny eyes, moray eels largely rely on their highly developed sense of smell when waiting in ambush for food.

Moray eels are opportunistic carnivorous predators that mostly eat smaller octopuses, fish, and crabs. A spotted moray eel was once seen devouring a red lionfish. It has been noted that wandering coral groupers connected to the reef would lure giant morays into their nets. They also consume sea urchins, cuttlefish, and squid.