White Eyed Moray Eel
Scientific name Gymnothorax thyrsoideus
The White-Eyed Moray Eel is one of Koh Tao’s most recognisable reef predators. Growing up to around 1 metre in length, they are slender, muscular and usually seen with just their head protruding from a coral crack or rocky crevice.
They’re easily identified by their pale body covered in fine brown speckling and, most noticeably, their bright white or pale yellow eye — which gives them their name. With their mouths constantly opening and closing, they can look intimidating, but this behaviour is simply how moray eels breathe, pumping water over their gills.
Around Koh Tao, White-Eyed Morays are common and reliable sightings. They tend to stay within a chosen territory on the reef, often returning to the same hiding spot day after day. When divers hover calmly and maintain good buoyancy, you can often observe them at close range as they peer out curiously from their shelter.
White-Eyed Moray Eels play an important role in the reef ecosystem as mid-level predators. They help regulate populations of small reef fish, crustaceans and cephalopods, keeping the food web balanced. By hunting at night and sheltering by day, they also contribute to the reef’s natural day-night rhythm.
Despite their sharp teeth and fierce appearance, they are not aggressive toward divers. Bites are extremely rare and usually only occur if a diver places a hand too close to their hiding place or attempts to feed them. With respectful distance and good awareness, they are completely safe — and fascinating — to observe.
Seeing a White-Eyed Moray up close is a classic tropical reef moment. Their intense stare and slow, deliberate movements add character and drama to even the calmest dive.
Find White Eyed Moray Eel at...
Divemaster's tip
Look carefully into small cracks, coral heads and rocky overhangs — especially on sloping reefs between 5–25 metres. Their pale eye often catches the light first.
Keep your hands tucked in and maintain neutral buoyancy. Morays feel threatened when divers get too close to their shelter. If you’re patient and calm, they’ll often stay put and allow for a great photo opportunity.
What do they eat?
White-Eyed Moray Eels feed mainly on small reef fish, crustaceans, octopus and squid. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, using their excellent sense of smell rather than eyesight to locate prey.
At night dives around Koh Tao, you may see them fully out of their holes, weaving across the reef in search of food — a completely different personality compared to their shy daytime behaviour.
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