Zebra Moray Eel

Also known as the Barred Moray or Zebra Eel

The Zebra Moray Eel is a stunning and docile species that brings bold striping and gentle personality to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to French Polynesia and the Eastern Pacific, this distinctive moray features striking chocolate-brown and white zebra stripes encircling its entire body. With their peaceful temperament, crustacean-specialized diet, and impressive size, Zebra Morays make exceptional additions for intermediate to advanced aquarists seeking a personable predator with spectacular appearance and manageable disposition.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Gymnomuraena zebra
• Common Names: Zebra Moray, Barred Moray, Zebra Eel
• Adult Size: 40–60 inches (100–150 cm); commonly 36–48 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Very peaceful; one of the most docile moray species
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – predatory toward crustaceans (fish-safe)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum (180+ gallons recommended for adults)
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced – requires specialized diet and space

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and reef slopes at depths of 3–150 feet. Inhabits caves and crevices where they hunt for crabs and other crustaceans.

Tank Environment:

• Multiple large caves and crevices essential
• Secure, stable rockwork formations
• Tight-fitting lid with all gaps sealed (can escape)
• Large hiding spots to accommodate thick body
• Moderate to low lighting preferred
• All equipment openings covered
• Compatible with FOWLR systems

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods (Crustacean Specialist):

• Fresh/frozen shrimp with shells, crabs, krill (primary diet)
• Whole crayfish, lobster pieces (shell-on preferred)
• Clams, mussels, scallops (in shell when possible)
• Squid, octopus pieces
• Blunt, pebble-like teeth designed for crushing shells
• Does NOT typically eat fish – unlike most morays

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times weekly for adults
• Larger meals less frequently preferred
• Use feeding tongs or stick (never hand-feed)
• Shell-on foods help maintain tooth health
• May be picky initially but adapts well

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, triggers, puffers, lionfish, groupers, other eels, most fish species of any size
• Caution with: Very shy or timid species that may be outcompeted for food
• Avoid: All ornamental shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, lobsters, crayfish (will be consumed)

Social Behavior:

• Extremely peaceful toward fish (rarely predatory on fish)
• One of the safest morays for community tanks
• Spends time in caves with head visible
• Nocturnal but adapts to daytime feeding
• May become very tame and interactive
• Can be kept with other peaceful eels
• Safe with even small fish due to crustacean-only diet
• Poor eyesight; hunts by smell

Reef Compatibility: Fish-safe but not invertebrate-safe; will consume all ornamental shrimp, crabs, lobsters, and hermit crabs. Generally safe with corals, though may knock over unsecured decorations due to large size. Best for fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems.

Color & Development

Coloration: Bold chocolate-brown to dark brown body with crisp white to cream vertical bands encircling entire body from head to tail; 30–50 bands total; high-contrast zebra striping; blunt snout; thick, muscular body build; pattern remains consistent throughout life.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant contrast
• Pattern clarity remains excellent with age
• Stress may cause slight color dulling
• Brown sections may show slight variation in shade
• White bands remain bright with proper water quality
• One of the most recognizable eel patterns

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 12–18 inches
• Moderate growth rate: 6–10 inches annually
• Reach 30–40 inches within 4–5 years
• Thick-bodied and muscular build
• Larger than most commonly kept morays

Why Choose a Quarantined Zebra Moray Eel?

A properly quarantined Zebra Moray Eel is a healthier, acclimated specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to frozen crustaceans, feeding behavior verification, and secure housing to prevent escape.

These magnificent eels combine spectacular zebra striping with exceptional gentleness toward fish, making them ideal for mixed species FOWLR systems. Their unique crustacean-specialized diet means they’re safe with even small fish, unlike most predatory eels. Their impressive size, bold patterns, interactive personality, and docile nature make them one of the most beloved moray species. Perfect for aquarists seeking a large, striking eel that can coexist peacefully with a wide variety of fish tankmates – truly one of the safest and most personable morays available.