moray

Moray, alternate spelling of Murray

Moray. For Scottish names spelled thus, use Murray.

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Moray, council area and former county, Scotland

Moray (mûr`ē), council area (1993 est. pop. 86,250), 864 sq mi (2,237 sq km), and former county, NE Scotland. Under the Local Government Act of 1973, the county of Moray (or Morayshire) was divided between the former Highland and Grampian regions in 1975. In the local government reorganization of 1996, Grampian was dissolved and the council area of Moray was created; the new council area is larger than the former county. The county of Moray was formerly called Elgin or Elginshire.

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moray, in zoology

moray: see eel.

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moray

Green moray (Gymnothorax funebris).

(credit: Carleton Ray-Photo Researchers)

Any of about 80 species (family Muraenidae) of shallow-water eels inhabiting all tropical and subtropical seas. They live among reefs and rocks and hide in crevices. Their skin is thick, smooth, scaleless, and usually vividly marked or coloured. Most species lack pectoral fins. Morays have a wide mouth and strong, sharp teeth for seizing and holding prey (chiefly other fishes). They attack humans only when disturbed. Most species are less than 5 ft (1.5 m) long, but Thyrsoidea macrurus, of the Pacific Ocean, may grow to more than 11 ft (3.5 m). Morays are sometimes eaten, but their flesh may be toxic and can cause illness or death if consumed.