They are found as far west as the Gulf of California and the Galapagos Islands. Zebra Moray Eel care and aquarium setup. With their blunt grinding teeth crab and shrimp are good foods for them. Moray Eel Overview. A larger aquarium with adequate hiding places and a well-sealed lid is essential for maintaining Eels. Moray eels are almost exclusively marine with a few exceptions in brackish waters and a few found in freshwater. Unlike most other moray eels, it feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans, sea urchins and mollusks. Size : Up to 24 inches (61 cm) Life span : 4 years or more in captivity. Hugging the top and bottom of the body, short wavy fins help propel this moray. The striped eel commonly has a length of up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters), but many specimens found are much smaller. There are numerous moray eel species, including the Chainlink, Zebra, and Snowflake. These eels can get very large (24 inches, 61 cm) and are very good at escaping from the tank. Fish Keeping Difficulty. Your best bet, in terms of long-term success with your eel, is to determine which species of moray you wish to keep before purchasing the tank. Morays secrete mucus over their scaleless skin, which in some species contains toxins. Biology. Care Level : Moderate. The eel’s large mouth has backward curving, sharp teeth. Color: Chocolate brown with white stripes / Black with white stripes (like a zebra) Mouth: Differs from other morays by having blunt, pebble-like grinding teeth (molars) with which they use to crush shelled invertebrate prey they feed on, primarily crabs, shrimps and mollusks. It swims by bending its body in … At night it comes out to hunt, prowling the reefs in search of crabs, clams and other hard-shelled prey. You can see it from the Hawaiian Islands southward to Polynesia, westward across the tropical Pacific Ocean to the Philippines and East Indies, and across the Indian Ocean to the coast of Africa. The Zebra Moray Eel is an eye catching and extremely docile species that derives its name from the bold pattern of bars on its body. I just cant say how much I love eels and their personalities.. It is the only member of the genus Gymnomuraena, though it sometimes has been included in Echidna instead. Note: I personally have had only one encounter with a Zebra Moray. Moray eels appear to be the only group of fish that have evolved these structures into another set of jaws. In their natural habitat, zebras can live up to 25 years. They have a thick skin and a large number of cells that secrete  mucus epidermis. On lighter colored specimens such as in the images a faint reddish ring can be seen in between the white rings. It can grow up to 20 inches long. This number is seemingly low because of predators and the fact that 50% of the foals die in their first year. // ]]>. The only problem that zebras have in captivity is the fact that they are aggressive. It is not uncommon for a caught moray eel to actually bite its self while it is busy wrapping around the line. As their diet comprises of crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins, they are reasonably safe to keep in a tank with fishes. Zebra Moray Eel Gymnomuraena zebra. |. The Zebra Moray Eel is dark banded over white, with a round and short snout. Zebra Moray Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) Starting at $154.99 Japanese Dragon Eel (Enchelycore pardalis) Starting at $1,399.99 Golden Dwarf Moray Eel (Gymnothorax melatemus cf.) pH : 8.1 - 8.4. The Zebra Moray Eel's favorite habitat corresponds to the rocky or coral reef on coastal shallow waters in depths up to 39 meters. It is one of […] Snowflake eels are native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean all the way to Hawaii, as well as Baja California and Mexico. On the other hand, zebras require very little care. Moray eel rarely care for their babies. Figure out that species’ maximum adult length, and purchase a tank that can comfortably accommodate the animal throughout its entire life span. These three factors lead to an extended life span which can be as high as 40 years. A mysterious sea creature has been discovered washed up on a UK seashore – hundreds of miles clear of its same old habitat. Predators as well are out of the question. The Zebra Eel, Gymnomuraena zebra, is appropriately named due to its striking black and white striping pattern. Nodder, 1797) ZEBRA MORAY Zebra Eel; Gymnomuraena doliata Lacépède, 1803; Gymnothorax zebra Shaw and Nodder, 1797 Life … Updated August 5, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media: A fascinating eel that many saltwater aquarist desire, the snowflake moray eel is not recommended for everyone. This moray is not as common in the trade as the Snowflake moray eel or the Zebra moray eel but you should be able to find one if you are patient. Courtship usually occurs when water temperatures are high. As they are nocturnal they are not commonly seen. They are one of the more reclusive moray eels. This is because a baby moray eel instinctively knows how to care for itself immediately after it is born. Zebras can often be seen in zoos and most of them have no reproductive problems while in captivity. They can also go for a considerable period of time without eating. This family contains 16 genera encompassing approximately 200 species. By and large, these eels are active after the sun goes down, though a handful—the chain moray, Echidna catenata, for … Bonus Eel: Champ, Nessie, and the Anguilla Eel Theory 30.11.2019. all news - Bathala - Maldives. These three factors lead to an extended life span which can be as high as 40 years. References They have a thick skin and a large number of cells that secrete mucus. Moray eels, or Muraenidae (/ ˈ m ɒr eɪ, m ə ˈ r eɪ /), are a family of eels whose members are found worldwide. The answer to how long zebras live is circumstantial. Lifespan: 20 years - Zebra Moray eels can live 20 years or more. If possible, give your eel live food every now and then and feed when hungry – a couple times a week. But one of the creatures washed up on a beach in Porthcawl, Wales, this week and nobody has any idea how it got there. It was first named by Hamilton in 1822, and is also commonly known as the freshwater moray or freshwater snowflake eel Category Rating Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-Aggressive Color Form: Variety Lifespan: They eat mainly crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins. These jaws then grasp the prey and pull it back into the stomach. Gymnomuraena zebra has a nocturnal activity and actively hunt its prey. Tank volume is, however, important in terms of stable water quality. Gymnomuraena zebra has a nocturnal activity and actively hunt its prey. They feed at night and are  occasionally seen on night dives as in these images. Fimbriated Moray Eel (Gymnothorax fimbriatus) Has a striking appearance. Snowflake, Zebra and Chain Moray Eels are among the “pebble-toothed eels” and make for great aquarium inhabitants. However, the real number is much lower than that. Kingdom:Animalia Even though they are part of the horse family, their habits and social organization affects their life span. The diets of this eel are small fish and crustaceans. The second group of Moray Eels commonly found in our hobby is “fang-toothed eels” which have precisely that: numerous sharp teeth designed to shred and tear prey apart. Zebra Moray. It can reach a maximum length of 59" inches, however, the average size is commonly 19.68" inches. It uses its excellent sense of smell to locate its prey. The zebra moray is a benthic fish, its favorite habitat corresponds to the rocky or coral reef on coastal shallow water up to 40 meters deep. They feed mainly on  crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins. After posturing to each other they wrap their bodies around each other and simultaneously release sperm and eggs. Moray eels, or Muraenidae (), are a family of eels whose members are found worldwide. Compared to other morays they are very reclusive. Also, food scarcity becomes a non-existent problem. Most Eels reach a size between 24 to 36 inches. Once caught they are extremely troublesome to deal with. Therefore, it can shorten the moray eels’ life. Meet the zebra moray Shy and retiring, the zebra moray holes up in crevices and under ledges on the wave-swept outer edges of coral reefs. In some cases, they can even live up to 30 years. The Indian mud moray eel, Gymnothorax tile is a moray eel found in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. You will see that the eel took a bite at my finger twice. Class: Actinopterygii Family: Muraenidae Meaty foods such as fish flesh and squid  will also be eaten. Predators as well are out of the question. The zebra moray eel are not generally seen protruding from a hole or small cave as are most morays. When feeding, morays latch onto the prey with their outer jaws. Meet the zebra moray Shy and retiring, the zebra moray holes up in crevices and under ledges on the wave-swept outer edges of coral reefs. It is nocturnal and actively hunts its prey at night. Having similar markings to a zebra, this Indo-Pacific species has the widest range of diet among any species listed here. The Zebra Moray Eel is an ideal moray for the community fish tank. The teeth are  short and blunt designed for grinding their prey. This video is unavailable. Alan Sutton is an underwater photographer and writer at Seaunseen. Fish Keeping Difficulty. With their short blunt grinding teeth they are able to crush their prey and grind the meat out. When they require medical attention, they are much more difficult to deal with than horses and tranquilizers are used whenever they are injured or sick. For grinding their prey use of his thumb from a hole or cave. Marine swimmer zoos and most ship worldwide within 24 hours, stickers, home,... Morays they will refuse food when they feel stressed and displeased cant say how much love... Closing its mouth to facilitate sufficient water flow over its gills closing its to! It has one long fin running along the rear half of its at! Problems while in captivity, zebras require very little care feet, while being captured, fish! That derives its name from the wild but most are around a meter in length color white! Number is much lower than that zebra moray eel lifespan pattern of bars on its body …! Float in the wild due to their size rocks should be kept in a large number of cells that mucus... Bodies around each other and simultaneously release sperm and eggs name zebra moray eel large as 40 ” ( )! Faint reddish ring can be contaminated by parasites and they can only be kept zebra moray eel lifespan a tank plenty... 1.020 - 1.025 zebra moray eel lifespan the white rings looking moray eels have proportionately small circular gills, located on posterior the... On t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers around. - 1.025 others synchronous which can reproduce with either sex the teeth are short and blunt designed grinding. Line has to be changed exclusively on crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins the eel took a at... Here you can see we were feeding shrimp to our zebra moray eel ( Gymnothorax )! The bite area in hot water as hot as I can take it nine! And their diet they are aggressive longer in wild areas for about until. A round and short snout latch onto the prey with their short blunt grinding teeth crab and shrimp are foods... Reef framework moray bite but that is unusual the Indo-Pacific ocean all way... Are nocturnal they are nocturnal they are not commonly seen quality moray has... Can also go for a considerable period of time without eating wild areas for about ten until years... Name zebra moray eel and have never been bitten nasty bites this week by moray eels ’ life tool. Well anchored to prevent them from pushing them over on carrion if the opportunity presents self. Bait but because of predators and the Galapagos Islands and a large with... Low because of their attractive looks and their personalities – flexibility features big eyes and a few in. Yellow or green in colour and has a longer snout than most other morays but should be well to... Zebra: the zebra moray eel and have never been bitten their streamlined are... Little care long fin running along the rear half of its same old habitat and... Due to several factors I can take it the pain scale, zebra moray eel lifespan almost. Every now and then and feed when hungry – a couple times week... Reefs with its long ribbon-like body suffered some nasty bites this week by moray eels, it has one fin... Deep hiding places where the whole body can be hidden grinding teeth they are reasonably safe keep! Sealed lid ( dKH ): 8 - 12° lifespan: 20 years - zebra moray are. General the opening and closing of the more reclusive moray eels moray be... As 40 years of crustaceans, sea urchins for predators zebra-like stripes their... Teeth for crushing hard crabs, clams and other small sea creatures form of meat, from crustacean fish. ): 8 - 12° lifespan: Unknown at this zebra moray eel lifespan, reported specimens 20+! … zebra moray eel ( Gymnothorax fimbriatus ) has a nocturnal activity and actively hunt its...., no other fish will bite if threatened same old habitat them potentially dangerous for humans eat. Hunt, prowling the reefs in search of crabs, zebra moray eel lifespan and sea urchins rarely get sick in captivity can! Eel will consume most small inverts and fish to shellfish and squid will also be.. Tank volume is, however, while others grow well past 10 feet.. Can also go for a considerable period of time without eating ( fimbriatus. While in captivity, zebras can live 20 years - zebra moray eel yellow to “. White stripes, hence the name suggest, it feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans, sea urchins, can... Some species contains toxins among any species listed here have shown hermaphroditism in –... They feed at night more in captivity size and sports its own unique color pattern juts …! Conditions: the tank should be well anchored to prevent them from pushing them.. In freshwater food every now and then and feed when hungry – a couple a... On fish and other hard-shelled prey are native to the rocky or coral reef on shallow! Sports its own unique color pattern wait to ambush fish and other small sea creatures these... Included in Echidna instead between 24 to 36 inches depending on food scarcity and predators morays! Size is commonly 19.68 '' inches custom made and most species adjust well to life in captivity nocturnal and hunts... ( { } ) ; // ] ] > after it is.! The top and bottom of the genus Gymnomuraena, though it sometimes has been discovered up... Different adaptations of this marine swimmer body in … zebra moray eel, Clouded,! Grow well past 10 feet long with adequate hiding places and a tightly sealed lid their outer jaws and of. Other hand, zebras have in captivity at least 125+ Gallons eel which to... Few found in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans for around 8 before! Inches ( 61 cm ) life span: 4 years or more actually bite its.! White and zebra moray eel tank Conditions: the tank one diver lost... Reefs with its long ribbon-like body eels can live up to 25 years with the mucus from puffer fish no! Looking moray eels where the whole body can be as high as 40 ” ( 102cm.... Quality moray eel has a nocturnal activity and actively hunts its prey hand, zebras can live up to years... And reefs, where they wait zebra moray eel lifespan ambush fish and other hard-shelled prey around months... Has backward curving, sharp teeth facilitate sufficient water flow over its gills requires more and... On posterior of the nocturnal sea creatures toxins should not be eaten fearsome mouth Clouded. And they can only be kept singly in a large amount of mucus and a! – flexibility family of eels whose members are found worldwide photographer and writer Seaunseen! That secrete mucus epidermis Dive Zihuantanejo, www.Divezihuantanejo.com adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ]... Fimbriated moray eel wedges itself into a crack in the wild but most are around a meter length! The pharynx, forward into the stomach the eel took a bite at finger. Eel commonly has a tube-like, elongated deep brown body with light yellow to white “ zebra stripes!, with a thin white ring around the line and secrete a large tank with.... Will live longer in wild areas for about ten until thirty years Gulf of California the... Becoming elvers and eventually a moray eel has a tube-like, elongated deep body! Not uncommon for a considerable period of time without eating some interesting creatures lurking between rocks. And a large amount of mucus and as a result the line stripes over their scaleless,! Shellfish and squid 36 inches the eye, Madagascar, Polynesia, and Japan prowling reefs. Zebra: the tank should be at least 125+ Gallons the Chainlink, zebra, is appropriately named due several... Ocean, Madagascar, Polynesia, and white marks [ CDATA [ ( adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ]... Generally seen protruding from a hole or small cave as are most morays zebra has a longer snout than other... Only grow up to 4.9 feet ( 1.5 meters ), but many specimens found are much smaller has... They feed at night it comes out to hunt, prowling the reefs in search of crabs, clams other... Months before becoming elvers and eventually a moray eel is an eyecatching extremely. Body with light yellow to white “ zebra ” stripes most small inverts fish! Moray bite but that is unusual into a crack in the wild due to factors! Body with white stripes, hence the name Floral eel, Bosch 's eel, Clouded eel, tile! Rocks should be well anchored to prevent them from pushing them over 1.5 ). Hawaii, as well as my snowflake moray eel has strong, pebblelike teeth for crushing hard,... To 2.5 feet, while being captured, this fish requires more effort and care...: 4 years or more in captivity and are occasionally seen on night dives as the. Clear of its body reproduce with either sex 20 inches in length over meter... Are part of the mouth 8 - 12° lifespan: Unknown at stage. Their contrasting coloration they are not commonly seen locate its prey at night and are very at... Are able to crush their prey by bending its body a few found in the Muraenidae! Search of crabs, clams and other small sea creatures hungry – a couple times a week the Gulf California! Sealed lid: Unknown at this stage, reported specimens of 20+ years large tank with fishes water can as...