Reference articles on history, science, culture and more
Encyclopedia

Zebra moray

Species of fish

Image credit is listed at the end of this article.

The zebra moray (Gymnomuraena zebra) is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae. It is the only member of the genus Gymnomuraena, though it sometimes has been included in Echidna instead.

01Description

The zebra moray is considered as a medium-sized fish even if it can reach a maximum length of 150 cm. However, the average size commonly observed is more of the order of 50 cm. It is densely banded dark and whitish, giving rise to its common name. Its snout is round and short.

02Distribution and habitat

The zebra moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from eastern coast of Africa until western coast of the Americas, including the Red Sea, Hawaii and Galápagos.

The zebra moray is a benthic fish, its favorite habitat corresponds to the rocky or coral reef on coastal shallow water up to 40 meters deep.

03Biology

Gymnomuraena zebra has a nocturnal activity and actively hunt its prey. Unlike most other moray eels, it feeds exclusively on crustaceans, sea urchins and mollusks.

Watch videos about Zebra morayExplainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article Zebra moray, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

Images, from Wikimedia Commons:

Fathomly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Spotted a problem? Tell us.