Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Genus
- Gymnomuraena
- Species
- zebra
Habitat
Zebra morays primarily inhabit coral reefs, rocky crevices, and lagoons in tropical and subtropical waters. They are found in shallow coastal areas from the Red Sea and East Africa to the eastern Pacific, including Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters. These environments provide ample hiding spots among rocks and corals.
Diet
Zebra morays mainly feed on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, as well as small fish and occasionally mollusks. They hunt nocturnally by ambushing prey from crevices, using their powerful jaws to crush shells. Feeding activity peaks at night in reef habitats.
Behavior
Zebra morays are primarily nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in coral crevices to avoid predators. They are solitary and territorial, defending their shelters aggressively if threatened, often by opening their mouths wide as a display. They exhibit curious behavior around divers but are generally reclusive and not social with other eels.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.