Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Zebra Moray Eel is an extremely docile and very eye-catching species, with its name derived from the bold striped pattern across its body. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Zebra moray eels can vary considerably in color, from dark brown to reddish brown. Unlike most other eels, the Zebra moray eel is often active during the day and poses no threat to the aquarist or fish of any size. The Zebra moray eel can reach an impressive length of 5′.

Diet Requirements: A diet largely consisting of frozen chopped or whole shrimp, scallops, mussels, squid, and krill is recommended. Offering live prey items occasionally, such as fiddler crabs or any type of crustacean, is encouraged. We urge using a pair of forceps rather than your hands to feed eels in order to avoid getting bitten by accident.

Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. While the Zebra moray eel is less prone to jump out of an aquarium, a tight lid is still suggested. This eel enjoys a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge and conceal its body. The Zebra moray eel is to be added “with caution” into a reef aquarium for a couple of reasons. The first is that the Zebra moray eel has poor eyesight and it may inadvertently damage corals as it moves around. The second is that while no fish is under threat, some members of your clean up crew (e.g. crabs, shrimp) will likely be eaten by the Zebra moray eel given its natural diet. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 6″ to 10″; Medium: 10″ to 18″; Large: 18″ to 26″; XLarge: 26″ to 30″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.