Zebra Morray Eel

The Zebra Moray Eel is a striking species of moray eel native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly around coral reefs and rocky areas in the waters of Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Maldives. Known for its bold, zebra-like pattern, this eel has a long, slender body with alternating black and white stripes that make it a standout in any aquarium. The Zebra Moray Eel typically grows to about 3 feet (90 cm) in length, making it one of the larger moray eels, so it requires a spacious tank (at least 75 gallons or more) with plenty of hiding spaces.

Zebra Moray Eels are carnivorous and primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates found in their natural habitat. In the wild, they hunt by slinking into crevices in the reef and ambushing prey. In captivity, they can be fed a diet consisting of high-quality meaty foods such as frozen shrimp, squid, and fish fillets. It's important to offer food that is appropriately sized for their mouths, as they have relatively small jaws compared to other larger eels.

Unlike many other eel species, Zebra Moray Eels are relatively shy and reclusive by nature, often hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and becoming more active at night. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are typically not aggressive towards other fish in the aquarium but may exhibit territorial behavior in a smaller setup. It’s important to note that they are escape artists and can sometimes squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so a well-secured lid is essential for preventing them from escaping.

Zebra Moray Eels are relatively hardy but require stable and well-maintained water conditions to thrive. They prefer water temperatures between 74-80°F (23-27°C) and slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4. They do best in aquariums with ample hiding spots created by live rock or coral, which mimic their natural environment. They also require good water quality with proper filtration, as they are sensitive to water changes and poor conditions.

With proper care and feeding, Zebra Moray Eels can live up to 10-15 years in captivity.

Fun Facts:
The Zebra Moray Eel’s bold black and white stripes are a form of camouflage, allowing it to blend in with the rocky and coral-filled environments of the reef.

Despite their intimidating appearance, Zebra Moray Eels are generally non-aggressive and prefer to keep to themselves, hiding in crevices for most of the day.

They are nocturnal hunters, becoming more active during the night when they search for food in the darker waters of the reef.