Moray eels are popular in public aquariums but have specific welfare needs that are frequently misunderstood. Understanding their biology improves welfare outcomes in captive and wild settings.
Moray eel welfare in captivity is affected by confinement in tanks that cannot replicate the complex reef crevice environments they use for shelter and hunting. Their nocturnal nature means they experience stress from daytime exhibit lighting that reverses their natural activity cycle. Escape attempts that result in eels drying out on floors represent acute welfare emergencies caused by inadequate tank security. In the wild, morays face entanglement in ghost nets, habitat loss from reef degradation, and fishing bycatch. Their remarkable pharyngeal jaw biology makes hook injuries particularly severe.