Zebra Moray, also known by its scientific name Gymnomuraena zebra, is a type of marine fish that belongs to the Muraenidae family.
This unique fish is the only one in its genus, though it has sometimes been grouped with Echidna.
This fish likes to hide in sandy and rocky areas near coral reefs. It prefers places like crevices and ledges where it can stay out of sight.
Zebra Moray’s main diet consists of xanthid crabs but also includes other crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins. This fish is not reef-safe.
Zebra Moray Interesting Facts
- Zebra Moray is the only species in its genus and has a unique pattern of dark bands on its body.
- Found in the Indo-Pacific region, it prefers hiding near coral reefs and feeds mainly on xanthid crabs, crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins.
- This fish can grow up to 59.0 inches (150.0 centimeters) long and has pebble-like teeth designed for crushing hard-shelled prey.
Zebra Moray Habitat
Zebra Moray is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its habitat ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, including areas like the Persian Gulf, Ryukyu Islands, Hawaiian Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s also found in the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically from southern Baja California, Mexico to northern Colombia, and even in the Galapagos Islands.
This marine fish lives in reef-associated environments at depths of 3 to 50 meters (about 10 to 164 feet).
Zebra Moray thrives in tropical waters located between latitudes of 30°N to 24°S and longitudes of 32°E to 78°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Zebra Moray Physical Characteristics
Size: 19.7 inches (50.0 centimeters)
Zebra Moray can grow up to a maximum length of 59.0 inches (150.0 centimeters), but it’s more commonly found at around 19.7 inches (50.0 centimeters) long.
It has no dorsal and anal spines or soft rays but has between 132 to 137 vertebrae. This fish has a unique pattern of closely spaced dark bands on its body.
One interesting feature of the Zebra Moray is its pebble-like teeth, which are designed for crushing hard-shelled prey. It also has a rounded snout.
This fish’s color ranges from orange-brown to dark brown with narrow white or pale yellow bars on its body.
Some other key characteristics of Zebra Moray include:
- Body depth at the gill opening is about 15 to 21 times smaller than the total length,
- Thick skin hides the fins,
- Anus is located behind the middle of the body,
- The tail is approximately half as long as the preanal length, and
- Molar-shaped teeth are arranged in multiple rows within their jaws and palate.
Zebra Moray Reproduction
There’s a possibility that Zebra Moray may be a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning starting life as a female and later transitioning to male.
However, this has not been confirmed yet.
Zebra Moray Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Muraenidae |
| Genus: | Gymnomuraena |
| Scientific Name: | Gymnomuraena zebra |
| Also Known As: | Zebra Moray |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |