Zebra Moray Eel Small

Zebra Moray Eels have an overall color that can range from a medium brown to a dark brown or even black. They have much thinner vertical white to pale yellow bands that encompass their bodies, giving them that “zebra” motif look. Some odd ball individuals can have even colors of white and brown. Juveniles have the same appearance, except their bodies are not as thick and muscular as adults and their face is smaller. They have a rounded snout and molar like teeth placed close together, which perfect for crushing hard shelled prey. These teeth are arranged in 2 to 3 rows on each jaw, including several rows on the roof of their mouth. The Zebra Moray has one continuous dorsal fin and one continuous pelvic fin, but lack pectoral fins and tail fins. They have elongated, flexible gill coverings, but lack bony gill plates and their entire body is scaleless. Zebra Moray Eels have an excellent sense of smell, with 2 tube like appendages on their nose and two holes at the top of their head. This amazing ability makes up for their poor vision. These crustacean eaters they grow up to 4.9 feet (1.5 m). Zebra Moray Eels can be kept by intermediate aquarists, since beginners typically do not have very large tanks, and dedication to a fish that can live over 20 years.

The Zebra Moray has more jaw power for crushing crustaceans than other morays of similar size. Zebra morays will bump their nose into possible prey to decide if it is on the menu. That being said, even though they are the most docile, you may be accidentally bitten because they cannot see very well and may think your hand is a tasty crab and a “taste” can be painful! Speaking about food, they have been recorded in the wild, eating up to 3.6 times their body weight per year! This may give us an idea of how much to feed them every week. When feeding, they will swallow smaller crabs/shrimp whole, and larger crabs will be held down by their massive body, as they break off their claws and legs one by one; a noise that can be heard outside the aquarium! They do not use the knotting method to break up their prey, but may rotate to snap of the legs or claws of larger crabs. Morays respirate by opening and closing their mouths, forcing water down their throat and over their gills, which can look quite menacing!