Care Recommendations for the Zebra Moray Eel

By Christeena

• Zebra Moray Eel – Gymnomuraena zebra
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament:  Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe:  With Caution
• Max Size: Approx 5’
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

The Zebra Moray Eel, part of the Muraenidae family, can reach a maximum length of 5 feet.  This fish is whitish with densely dark bands similar to a zebra, hence its name, and has a short and round snout.  As with other Muraenidae family of eels, the Zebra Moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from the eastern coast of Africa to western coast of Americas.    

Aquarium Requirements for Zebra Moray Eels

The eye-catching Zebra Moray Eel is an ideal moray for the community fish tank.  Unlike the Tesselata Moray Eel, this fish poses little threat to its aquarist or tank mates and can be seen wandering about during the day rather than at night.  This eel is not as prone to escape as the other morays, but it’s important to have a tight-fitting lid completely covering the aquarium.  This moray eel is exceptionally hardy and easy to care for, however, it may need a larger aquarium as it grows.  In order to make the eel feel more at home, provide it with suitably sized caves.  The more caves you provide, the better.  This allows the eel to rest in safety and watch the outside world in peace. 

Dietary Requirements for Zebra Moray Eels

Zebra Moray Eels are so peaceful they can be trained to eat out of your hand, but it is strongly recommended to avoid doing this.  Eels have poor eyesight and can bite.  Their bites can cause flesh wounds which can lead to the fish associating your hand with food.  The Zebra Moray Eel’s diet should include generous portions of meaty foods and fresh fish – clams, squid, scallops, and shrimp.  If possible, give your eel live food every now and then and feed when hungry – a couple times a week.

Keeping Zebra Eels in a Reef Tank

Like other moray eels, caution should be used when housing the Zebra eel in a reef tank.  They will eat any and all crustaceans.  When the eel is small, it likely won’t harm corals, anemones or gorgonians. However, they can easily harm coral and gorgonians as they grow larger and move around the aquarium. They are very clumsy and have poor eyesight. This eel won’t usually harm fish. Keep this in mind when considering introducing a Zebra Moray Eel into your reef tank. 

Zebra Moray Eels should be kept in a good environment and a temperature between 72 and 78°F.  A pH value of 8.1-8.4, a salinity of between 1.022-1.025, and dKH 8-12 should be maintained.