Blue Whale in Costa Rica
October 30th, 2012
Spotted Moray Eels (also known as Gymnothorax Moringa) are a type of medium to large moray eels. Their long body is smooth and muscular and resembles a bit like a snake’s body. It is covered with a white or yellow colored skin which is punctuated with dark browns spots. The average length of a spotted moray eel is 60 centimetres, however, recently eels of about 200 centimetres have also been discovered. Their mouths bear a sharp, pointed set of teeth that allow them to grab their prey. They have dorsal and anal fins that help them to swim. Average life span of a spotted moray eel in the wild is approximately 10 years. There are no distinctive features visible to differentiate between a male and female eel. Studies have shown that spotted moray eels prefer to live solitarily in holes from where their protruding heads can be seen. These eels are quite active during the daytime and have a varied carnivorous diet. They feed smaller fish, molluscs and crustaceans found at the bottom of the sea. Spotted moray eels play a minor role in fishery and are scarcely sold as salted or fresh. However, they are popular creatures for aquariums, even due to their unpredictable sizes and dangerous bites. Spotted moray eels are found in depth of up to 656 feet. They dwell in the surface shores, back and fore reefs, sea-grass beds, rock rubble and drop off areas. These eels are widespread throughout the Mid and Western Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina, Bermuda, Brazil, Gulf of Mexico, South to Argentina, Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Spotted moray eels are easily approached but may hideaway in their holes if they feel threatened. Divers and snorkelers should be warned that an eel’s bite can be hazardous.
Spotted Moray Eels in Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
For scuba diving and snorkeling, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica has a perfect set of condition. It provides a diverse range of species, an ideal warm temperature and great visibility of the water and plenty of diving spots which means a dream come true for a diver. Watch a school of jacks swimming besides you, be as graceful as a manta ray or try to be as clever as a spotted moray eel! Private resort beaches Playas del Coco and Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste offer an exclusive and secluded environment for idyllic diving. Playa Hermosa in Jaco, Playa Ocotal, Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais in Puntarenas and Tortuga Island nearby Nicoya Peninsula offer amazing diving spots. Tortuga Island is also well-known for its amazing snorkelling sites. Drake Bay, also known as Bahia Drake, have spots profuse with marine life including spotted moray eels. Other places on the pacific coast like Isla del Coco, Isla del Cano, Osa Peninsula, Bat Islands and Catalina Islands have abundance of wildlife. Cabo Blanco Marine Reserve has a protected covey of white-sand and windy shores with clean, clear waters flourishing with seahorses and other marine creatures. Dive through the crystal clear waters, swim alongside the sea turtles, collect corals and fee the bold Spotted Moray Eel!
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References:
http://www.govisitcostarica.com/category/outdoorRecreation/divingCompanies.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_moray