Bite by moray eel

Jp Barreiros,V Haddad Jr

doi:10.1590/s1678-91992008000300013

Abstract

Injuries caused by moray eels are not a common problem, but are distributed throughout the globe, affecting mainly fishermen while manipulating hooked or netted fish. On a lesser scale, scuba divers and snorkelers, practicing or not spear fishing, are occasional victims of bites. With more than 185 species distributed among 15 genera, mostly in tropical to temperate shallow water, moray eels easily come into contact with humans and occasional injuries are not uncommon. The current study reports one case of moray eel bite and discusses the circumstances in which the accident happened, as well as wound evolution and therapy.

Highlights

Moray eels are widely distributed throughout temperate and tropical seas, and are especially associated with rocky bottoms where caves and crevices are numerous
With more than 185 species distributed among 15 genera, mostly in tropical to temperate shallow water, moray eels come into contact with humans and occasional injuries are not uncommon
The current study reports one case of moray eel bite and discusses the circumstances in which the accident happened, as well as wound evolution and therapy

Summary

BITE BY MORAY EEL

(1) Department of Agrarian Sciences and IMAR Açores, University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal; [2] Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; [3] Hospital Vital Brasil, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

DISCUSSION