Moray eels that lurk in gloomy, underwater caves appear to be adjusting to the darkness by growing skin over their eyes.
The newly described bean-eyed snake moray (Uropterygius cyamommatus) is the first moray eel species known to inhabit anchialine caves — caves carved into volcanic or limestone rock that are connected to the ocean and whose water levels fluctuate with the tides. During expeditions to Christmas Island, Australia, and Panglao Island in the Philippines, scientists found two specimens that had no visible left eyes, suggesting that the eels may be adapting to their gloomy environment by going blind, one eye at a time.
