The Zebra Moray Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) is a tropical marine (saltwater) fish.

The Zebra Moray Eel has an elongated body with a paddle-shaped tail. It has black and white bands around its body. Sometimes the bands are chocolate-brown and white. Its head is rounded with a small mouth and very sharp teeth.

Zebra Moray Eel

It measures about 50-150 centimetres (20-59 inches) long.

The Zebra Moray Eel is native to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, including the coast of East Africa, the Red Sea, the Hawaiian Islands, and Galapagos.

It prefers to live on the bottom of the sea, in coral reefs or shallow lagoons. Aquatic animals living on the seabed are called benthic animals, or benthos.

It is carnivorous, feeding on shrimp, crabs, sea urchins, and molluscs at night. It is mainly nocturnal.

Zebra Moray Eel

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM