Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (2)

Moray eel bite
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Moray eel bite

Contributors: Robert Norris MD, Joanne Feldman MD, MS
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Moray eels are bottom dwellers that inhabit tropical and subtropical coral reefs throughout the world where they are commonly found in holes and crevices. They are feared by many because of their snake-like appearance, bead-like eyes, and open mouths that seem ready to bite. In reality, moray eels rarely attack without provocation, have poor eyesight, and their mouths are open to allow water to pass through their gills to extract oxygen. Moray eels grow up to 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in length and 35 cm (1 ft) in diameter, and they can weigh up to 34 kg (75 lbs). They have vice-like, muscular jaws that can clamp down with great power and tear flesh from its prey.

Moray eels may bite defensively when their territory is intruded upon or if caught. Attacks have occurred when divers wave their hands in front of the eels, when the eel is speared, or in open water if eels have been fed by and associate humans with food. Moray eels have bitten surfers dangling their hands or feet over their boards.

The bite of a moray eel can cause deep puncture wounds or lacerations with tissue loss and ragged edges. There can be profuse bleeding. Occasionally, the eel might clamp down and not let go, necessitating the decapitation of the eel or breaking its jaws.

Bacterial contamination of wounds with marine pathogens such as Vibrio and Aeromonas is common.

Codes

ICD10CM:
W56.51XA – Bitten by other fish, initial encounter

SNOMEDCT:
217702009 – Moray eel bite

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:10/18/2017
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Moray eel bite
A medical illustration showing key findings of Moray eel bite : Fish bite, Ocean swimming
Organism image of Moray eel bite - imageId=293888. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A Pacific green moray eel.'
A Pacific green moray eel.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.