The moray eel is a common Mediterranean fish and can be seen locally around the shores of the Rodopou Peninsula. Its name in Greek is smerna. The moray has a fearsome reputation, chiefly because of its appearance and its capacity to inflict a nasty bite. This is due to its unique anatomy which gives it two sets of jaws. Its normal jaw with incurved teeth is used to catch its prey, while a second, pharyngeal jaw is launched forward into the mouth cavity and grabs the prey, preventing it from escaping and forcing it down the creature’s throat. This means that if it catches hold of a human hand or a similar member the latter cannot be freed without losing a chunk of flesh in the process. As a result fishermen will treat morays with a great deal of caution when they are caught.