Watch This Man’s Deep Sea Dive Turn Dark When a Huge Eel Attacks and Bites Him

Diving under the ocean and gazing at colorful coral reefs can be one of the most relaxing experiences on earth. However, hidden dangers are lurking in the depths! As the diver in this clip discovered, moray eels are not always that happy to find humans in their habitats. The eel in this clip made a beeline for the diver’s arm and gave it a sharp nip. This was not life-threatening, however, we learned that the diver required 22 stitches and treatment for two weeks with antibiotics. Scroll down to learn a valuable lesson about what can happen when diving in moray eel territory.

What Exactly Are Moray Eels?

Moray eels are a type of fish belonging to the Muraenidae family. They are found in oceans all over the world and there are more than 200 species. Whilst most of them live in saltwater there are some freshwater species that you can come across in rivers and estuaries. They have small gills and need to open their mouth to pump oxygenated water through them. This is why you see them with a classic open mouth posture which also makes them look a bit scary!

Morays have two sets of teeth – the first is in its mouth but the second is in its throat! They generally have a long and compressed body and they do not have any scales. Their dorsal fin runs the length of their back but they do not have any pelvic or pectoral fins.

Are Moray Eels Dangerous?

This is a question often asked by divers. In general, moray eels are not dangerous but they have the potential to cause injury and therefore should be respected. Because of their sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and potential to cause infections you should avoid getting bitten by them if you possibly can. Some species are more dangerous than others. For example, dragon moray eels and ribbon moray eels are considered the most dangerous.

What to Do if You Get Bitten by a Moray Eel

Moray eel saliva contains toxins that can destroy red blood cells and make you more susceptible to developing infections. It is important to wash superficial wounds immediately with soap and water and put pressure on the affected area. If you have any antibacterial ointment, apply this and take some pain relief. You must seek medical attention as soon as you can because you will probably need a course of antibiotics to prevent you from getting an infection.

Watch the Startling Clip Below

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Vitalii Kalutskyi