Creature Feature – Zebra Moray Eel
This week features the letter ‘Z’, and today’s spotlight is on the Zebra Moray Eel.
Zebra Moray Eels belong to the fish family and are known for their striking, banded appearance. These elusive creatures can often be found hiding in crevices and under ledges along the edges of coral reefs. They are nocturnal hunters, emerging at night in search of food such as crabs, clams, sea urchins, and other hard-shelled animals. Their flat, plate-like teeth are perfectly adapted for crunching through tough shells.
Although they’re sometimes mistaken for the Banded Sea Snake, a closer look reveals clear differences. Zebra Moray Eels are fish, not reptiles!
Taxonomy
Scientific Name: Gymnomuraena zebra
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Acanthuriformes
Family: Muraenidae
Genus: Gymnomuraena
Zebra Moray Eel Fact File
Size: Can grow up to 1.5 metres in length
Distribution: Found widely across the Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas, including the Red Sea
Diet: Crabs, crustaceans, clams, molluscs, and sea urchins
Behaviour: Commonly seen with just their heads poking out of reef crevices. They may appear aggressive, constantly opening and closing their mouths, but they’re simply breathing!
IUCN Status: Least Concern
