They hide and wait for their prey much like a snake does. Morays have rows of small, short, needle-like teeth that angle in toward their throat. They sneak up on their prey, snag it with their teeth, and force it down their throat. The prey is swallowed whole, digested, and the bones are regurgitated a few days later. A bite from a moray is not fatal to a human, but it is painful.
Germs build up in the moray s mouth and get in the wound from the bite.
This can cause a septic wound which must be treated. If a moray approaches you while you are diving, allow the moray to smell you. Don t approach it first. This is a clue to the moray that you are not aggressive. It s best not to try to touch it or pet it unless you have a diver with you who is familiar with the eels in that area.