This is the dragon moray (Enchelycore pardalis), aka the leopard or tiger moray. With its impressive colors and mythical features, you can see where it gets the name. I mean, it looks like a legendary beast you’d find in a video game. Unlike typical morays, the dragon moray has curved jaws that prevent it from closing its mouth but allow it to grip and hold prey. Yeesh. This thing probably has two health bars.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it is found among coral and rocky reefs to depths of up to 60 meters (which is about 197 feet). Despite its legendary status, it is actually quite common in its range, although it it rarely seen. That’s because, like many morays, it’s nocturnal and prefers to remain hidden during the day.

However, in some parts of its range it can be seen in great numbers. At Japan’s Izu Peninsula, dragon morays are almost as common as squirrels in a park. As soon as you step into the water, you’ll see them slithering among the rocks and peering out from crevices. Their orange skin and white spots make them quite easy to find and approach. Although they have pretty scary-looking jaws, they are harmless to humans (if you don’t harass them), and they sometimes share their dens with other big fish.

Beyond the sea, these legendary eels are also found in homes and aquariums around the world. Because of their regal-yet-fearsome appearance, they are prized in the aquarium trade and sell for over $1000. Whether you agree on keeping this animal in captivity or not, it certainly is an impressive sight to behold, and it truly is a jewel among eels.

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