Sadly it looks like a different eel (if you can identify eels by pattern). There are many differences I can spot around the notrils and face (away from the growths). Sad either way.
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That was my first impression too. Maybe something similar to the fibropapilloma tumors present on many turtles in Maui.Ann Marie:I have read/watched something about a herpes-like growth that was affecting turtles. I wonder if this is a similar virus.
archman:Heck, I just showed these pics to two other biologists, and all three of us horrified.
stevewirl:who has the god given right to kill any animal in our beautiful oceans and seas . NOBODY ...... if the eel is showing signs of unnatural behaviour it could be removed for tests to a lab .
the beauty of nature is watching . this is why and how on the safari's people studing animals have to stand back and let nature do it thing .
respect for all animals . no matter what they look like
Ann Marie:I have read/watched something about a herpes-like growth that was affecting turtles. I wonder if this is a similar virus.
HowardE:I'm not kidding. Wouldn't capture be a more appropriate solution (if possible)
archman:I]".
Ecological due to the potential for infecting other animals with whatever this animal's got. If a fungal infection, you're looking at a major inoculant source. If a genetic neoplasm and the eel is still fertile, it's a threat to future spotted moray populations. If a virus-induced neoplasm, leaving the animal in the wild leaves at least one known viral source out there, as well. As epithelial neoplasms are obviously NOT commonly found on morays, there is no ecological foul called for removing the eel. Quite the contrary, in all likelihood.
In either case (neoplasm or fungus), leaving the eel alone permits the growths to enlarge, meaning there's more of whatever it is for other organisms to ingest or otherwise come into contact with.
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im not a tree hugger im far from it but our oceans sould be left for everyone to see the freak eel . it may be the only 1 of its kind .