Moray eels frequent tropical and subtropical coral reefs to depths of 200 m, where they spend most of their time crammed inside crevices and alcoves. morays rely on their highly developed sense of smell, lying in wait to ambush their prey.
Their wide jaws are armed with sizable sharp teeth efficient at tearing flesh, making moray eels a subject best enjoyed from afar.

Morays are carnivorous and feed primarily on other fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.

Groupers and other moray eels are among their few predators.