Why Are Moray Eels' Faces So Long?

About this episode

The episode explores why moray eels have long faces, featuring insights from actor Derrick Baskin.

Agatha asks: Why Are Moray Eels' Faces So Long? Seriously - they're SO LONG! But why? Mike and Chanel answer Agatha's question with the help of actor Derrick Baskin, who played Jetsam in Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway. Together, they discuss scientific facts about eels in addition to learning how Derrick embodied one of fiction's most famous eels for a live audience. Derrick Baskin is a Grammy and Tony Award-nominated actor best known for his performance as Otis Williams in the Broadway hit Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations . His Broadway credits include Disney’s The Little Mermaid , Memphis the Musical , and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee . His television and film appearances include Law & Order: SVU , The Good Lord Bird , The Offer , and Marshall . As a former cast member of The Little Mermaid , he feels uniquely qualified to talk about life under the sea…including eels. Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions ! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube , Apple Podcasts , and Spotify ! Visit Derrick's website Follow…

People in this episode

Hosts: Mike, Chanel

Guest: Derrick Baskin

Topics covered

• moray eels
• marine biology
• Broadway
• Disney
• animal questions
• theater

Keywords

• moray eels
• Derrick Baskin
• The Little Mermaid
• marine life
• Broadway
• animal questions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Disney, Mike Bennett Studios, Portland Aquarium, thezooquarium.com

Books & works: The Little Mermaid, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, Memphis the Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Law & Order: SVU, The Good Lord Bird, The Offer, Marshall

More episodes of The Zooquarium Podcast

• Why Do Tigers Have Stripes? · June 9, 2026 · 15 min
• BONUS: Crickets, Clay, and the City of Roses with Chuck Duke · June 2, 2026 · 9 min
• Where Are Crickets' Ears Located? · May 26, 2026 · 15 min
• BONUS: Chanel in the Wild - Animal conversations with kids! · May 19, 2026 · 6 min
• Why Are Orcas So Deadly? · May 12, 2026 · 25 min
• BONUS: Animating Animals - More With Stop Motion Animator, Adam Taylor · May 5, 2026 · 9 min