Field observation of predation on an adult Caribbean purplemouth moray eel by a nurse shark

Abstract

Although predation on coral reefs has been widely studied, predation events are rarely observed. This is especially true for large and thus less common predators such as sharks, and nocturnal and/or cryptic predators (Martin and Hammerschlag 2012). Moray eels (Muraenidae) are crevice-dwelling mesocarnivores that typically feed at night, primarily upon smaller fish, octopuses, squid, and crustaceans. However, it is unclear whether moray eels themselves are subject to predation