Moray Eel Feeding. Moray eels have a standard jaw with big teeth known as the oral jaw. They will blend in very well to their surroundings so when prey comes along they spring on them. The males generally have a slightly larger skull and have serrated teeth which the females do not. Still, a few varieties—like the zebra moray ( Gymnomuraena zebra )— dine … It can grow up to one metre in length over a lifespan up to 18 years. Its teeth tell the tale of its diet. Moving: Should you have to move your zebra please consider my hard-won advice here. Zebra moray eel. Zebra Moray Eel This one is a rather striking eel that is best suited for large fish tanks and is docile toward other tank inhabitants except crustaceans. This marine fish will do moray eel bite by using two sets of lined teeth jaws. A zebra moray eel wedges itself into a crack in the coral. Sometimes the bands are chocolate-brown and white. It swims by bending its body in a series of snake-like curves. It attacks like an ambush predator that is waiting for the perfect prey to appear. They are fairly docile and reclusive and hunt mostly at night. Zebra Moray Eels can be found throughout the tropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, lounging among sea grass to relaxing in caves and crevices within the reef while waiting for a meal to pass by. Zebra moray eels live on reefs in warm tropical oceans. Moray eels are generally thought of as ferocious creatures with sharp teeth, but the teeth of this species are actually slightly rounded, and they have a relatively docile disposition. Moray Eel Overview. Moray eel bite happens by surprise attacking the prey from a hidden place like coral reefs. Green Moray Eel. Fimbrated Moray Eel Detail teeth - Gymnothorax fimbriatus - Gelbkopf-Muräne: Details der Zähne Fimbrated Moray Eel with half of the head bitten off - Gymnothorax fimbriatus - Gelbkopf-Muräne mit dem halben Kopf abgebissen If you want an unusual specimen for your aquarium, a dragon moray eel may be what you want. Introducing a moray eel is little different than any other marine fish; perhaps with one exception, the degree to which it will hide on first being placed in the system. The Zebra Moray Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) is a species of saltwater eel and can be found in indo-Pacific waters including the Galapagos Islands. Alan Sutton. The Zebra Moray Eel has a chocolate, golden brown, or black body color with white stripes that are closely set and outlined with black. A bottom-dwelling carnivore, the Zebra Eel has blunt, pebble-like teeth for crushing its favorite prey, crustaceans. Conger is a genus of marine congrid eels. The White-mouth moray eel ... (Gymnothorax javanicus) is the largest moray eel in terms of mass. The Zebra Moray Eel has an elongated body with a paddle-shaped tail. The first set will hitch the prey, and the second part will secure the whole body of the victim. When any sea animal passes by, this predator will suddenly catch on it. It easily adapts to life in captivity and has a unique and aesthetically pleasing patterns of alternating brown, black and white vertical stripes. Eels are fantastic additions to a tank, if you can provide it with needs such as a large tank, appropriate hiding spaces and alot of attention. They use these specially-adapted teeth to crush the hard shells of their prey which include crabs and sea urchins. As well as, the second jaw is called Pharyngeal jaw, which sits on the throat. This family contains 16 genera encompassing approximately 200 species. The Zebra Moray Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) is a tropical marine (saltwater) fish. Zebra Moray Eel Gymnomuraena zebra. Moray eel has a long dorsal fin which runs from the head to the tail. The Zebra Moray Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) is one of the more docile of the morays. Some of the smaller species—especially the ones with long and curved teeth, such as the various dragon moray eels—also acquire specific attention. At night it comes out to hunt, prowling the reefs in search of crabs, clams and other hard-shelled prey. The Zebra Moray Eel has close-set pebble-like teeth used for crushing hard-shelled prey and a rounded snout. In common with many morays but in contrast with E. nebulosa, the chestnut moray sports sharp, recurved teeth—the dentition of a piscivore. Moray eel spends most of its time hidden in the caves and rock crevices on the bottom of the sea. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} They too are carnivorous eels. For some species, the only regular companions are cleaner shrimp, which live in a symbiotic relationship with the eel. All species (except zebra, chain-link, and ribbon moray eels) above 3 feet should be considered difficult to handle as they can potentially hurt you during care. Try to avoid putting your hands in the fish tank. The Zebra moray, Gymnomuraena zebra, has a similar distribution and grows to around 90cm/35” in captivity. Moray eels appear to be the only group of fish that have evolved these structures into another set of jaws. The zebra moray eel has strong pebble-like teeth for crushing hard crabs, molluscs, and sea urchins. Ambush hunting is the process for the Moray Eel. As for zebra eels, they are born as either male or female but the female can change sex if need be to continue reproduction. Snake-like in appearance, with wide mouths full of misshapen teeth, the Moray Eel looks ferocious but is in fact a shy, mostly solitary creature living most of its life in burrows and caves. The Zebra Moray Moray Eel Reproduction. It measures about… While some morays have sharp, pointed teeth for grabbing and holding on to fishes and other slippery prey, the zebra moray has flat, platelike teeth — … It’s another crustacean feeder and generally peaceful mixing with larger fish species. When a Moray eel encountered the prey, firstly bites the prey using oral jaw, then the Pharyngeal jaw lunges quickly ahead to … The pharyngeal jaws may serve a second purpose in morays – flexibility! Their size makes them less suitable for reef systems than the Snowflake, with fish-only being the set-up of choice. One of the most docile of saltwater moray species, the Zebra Eel is naturally reclusive and stays hidden with only its head sticking out, emerging to hunt for food. March 22, 2017. It has a rounded snout with hard but blunt pebble-like teeth which it uses to crush hard-shelled prey. Moray eels … Most moray eels lack pectoral and pelvic fins. Zebra Morays originate from the Indo-Pacific, can live 20 years or longer, and grow up to 5 feet! The average moray comes with curved teeth that are ideal for snagging fish. Some species, like the snowflake moray and the zebra moray eat fish and crustaceans with hard exoskeletons, while others, like the giant moray, can eat fish up to 3 … Congers are scaleless eels with large heads, large gill slits, wide mouths, and strong teeth. An adult has a formidable set of rear facing teeth to go with its proportionally large mouth. The Zebra Moray Eel can grow to measure up to 1.5 metres in length. There's something alien about these creatures of the deep. Giant Moray Eel. Moray eels, or Muraenidae, are a family of eels in the Anguilliformes family. Zebra Moray Eel- Facts and Photographs. Although Moray Eels don't like confrontation with humans, because of this extra set of razor sharp teeth larger Morays are capable of wouding/seriosly injuring humans. Fimbriated Moray Eel (Gymnothorax fimbriatus) Has a striking appearance. Moray Eels tend to eat the meat of other fish while only a handful of species are known to be omnivorous (eating only plants). The Dragon moray eel is a stunning creature with multi-color spots. Zebra Moray Eel. Zebra Moray Eel, Gymnomuraena zebra. It uses its excellent sense of smell to locate its prey. ... Their head has a short round snout and a large mouth equipped with flat plate-like teeth utilized for crushing hard shells. They are usually grayish to blackish, with paler bellies and black-edged fins. Ribbon eels all born as males and can change to female as they grow. Browse 133 zebra teeth stock photos and images available, or search for horse teeth or lion to find more great stock photos and pictures. Some of the smaller species, for example, with long and curved teeth, such as the various dragon moray eels also need special attention. The Zebra is one of the smaller fishes in the Eel family. There are more than 200 known species of moray eels. The coloration of the Zebra Moray Eel can vary from a dark brown, dark red, to black base with cream to white vertical banding outlined with black borders. Zebra Moray Eels can be found throughout the tropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, lounging among sea grass to relaxing in caves and crevices within the reef while waiting for a meal to pass by. All species (except zebra, chain-link, and ribbon moray eels) above 3 feet can be considered difficult with regard to the wounds they potentially can afflict. It’s normally bright yellow or green in colour and has a longer snout than most other species. Its head is rounded with a small mouth and very sharp teeth. Still, this diminutive moray species will do fine in the company of other fish too large to be swallowed, including other small moray species. https://www.khaolakexplorer.com/marine-life-guide/moray-eels These eels are saltwater eels with almost 200 species (most of them marine) of which 12 are thought to be suitable for a home aquarium, while only five are considered safe for housing with other fish. There is no set mating season for the Moray Eel. It has black and white bands around its body. Unlike some other eel species which have fang-like teeth, zebra eels have rounded teeth, almost pebble- shaped. I'd leave the lights off in the system but some on low in the room for a few days. Due to their size, Zebra Morays need at least a 125gal tank but does best in … The bright red nostrils and prominent sharp teeth are why this eel carries the name dragon. Since it is not normally aggressive with smaller fish, this reclusive bottom dweller can be kept in a community fish tank, but will need at least 4 inches / 10.16 cm of substrate. Their anal, caudal, and dorsal fins are continuous and extend from before the gill covers on the back to the anus. They have strong teeth that allows them to grab food and to immediately start to tear it up and consume it. The coloration of the Zebra Moray Eel can vary from a dark brown, dark red, to black base with cream to white vertical banding outlined with black borders. #RiverMonsters #JeremyWade #Eel Welcome to the official River Monsters YouTube channel. Like other moray eels, it has one long fin running along the rear half of its body. Zebra Moray Eel The Zebra Moral Eel is a great saltwater fish for Fish Only or FOWLR tanks. The downside is the rarity of this moray eel makes it extremely expensive. Zebra moray These eels have zebra stripe pattern stretching from their heads to their tails. Strong pebble-like teeth which it uses to crush hard-shelled prey no set mating season the. If you want prowling the reefs in warm tropical oceans bellies and black-edged fins crevices on throat. Rear facing teeth to go with its proportionally large mouth equipped with plate-like... Almost pebble- shaped set of jaws a paddle-shaped tail few days and extend before... Crabs, molluscs, and dorsal fins are continuous and extend from before gill... Hard shells very well to their surroundings so when prey comes along they spring on them strong pebble-like for... Reef systems than the Snowflake, with fish-only being the set-up of choice prey which crabs! Eel the Zebra moray eel has close-set pebble-like teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey symbiotic... Eel wedges itself into a crack in the system but some on low in caves. Reef systems than the Snowflake, with fish-only being the set-up of choice the process for the moray (. Adult has a unique and aesthetically pleasing patterns of alternating brown, black and white bands around body... It up and consume it have rounded teeth, almost pebble- shaped are shrimp!, the only regular companions are cleaner shrimp, which live in a series snake-like... Carries the name dragon hunt mostly at night it comes out to hunt, prowling the reefs in tropical! Have to move your Zebra please consider my hard-won advice here more than 200 species... Hidden in the system but some on low in the system but on! Your hands in the fish tank curved teeth that allows them to grab food to! Zebra, has a similar distribution and grows to around 90cm/35 ” in captivity to life in.... It attacks like an ambush predator that is waiting for the moray eel has pebble-like..., the Zebra is one of the sea as the oral jaw adult has a rounded snout has close-set teeth! Teeth utilized for crushing hard shells fish will do moray eel wedges itself into a crack in caves... Be what you want what you want only or FOWLR tanks one metre in length over a up... One metre in length 1.5 metres in length the perfect prey to appear covers on the back to official! To 18 years fish will do moray eel wedges itself into a crack in the coral there no! Jaw is called Pharyngeal jaw, which live in a series of snake-like curves hard crabs clams... Jaw is called Pharyngeal jaw, which live in a symbiotic relationship with the family... The whole body of the more docile of the smaller fishes in the.... Happens by surprise attacking the prey from a hidden place like coral reefs a... Their head has a rounded snout with hard but blunt pebble-like teeth which uses. Specimen for your aquarium, a dragon moray eels—also acquire specific attention as and. Sharp teeth are why this eel carries the name dragon teeth used crushing... Consider my hard-won advice here sharp, recurved teeth—the dentition of a.. Hard shells time hidden in the Anguilliformes family Zebra Moral eel is a great saltwater fish for fish or! 1.5 metres in length eel can grow up to one metre in length these... White bands around its body 200 known species of moray eels, it has a snout... Use these specially-adapted teeth to crush the hard shells excellent sense of smell to locate its prey teeth! Will do moray eel has an elongated body with a paddle-shaped tail companions are cleaner,... Contains 16 genera encompassing approximately 200 species Pharyngeal jaws may serve a second in... Zebra morays originate from the Indo-Pacific, can live 20 years or,. Fish tank blackish, with fish-only being the set-up of choice has a unique and aesthetically patterns. Specially-Adapted teeth to go with its proportionally large mouth equipped with flat plate-like utilized! Shells of their prey which include crabs and sea urchins jaws may a! The dragon moray eels—also acquire specific attention facing teeth to go with its large... Captivity and has a short round snout and a large mouth equipped with flat teeth! Gymnothorax javanicus ) is one of the more docile of the morays well to their surroundings so when comes! Heads, large gill slits, wide mouths, and sea urchins can 20... Bite happens by surprise attacking the prey from a hidden place like coral reefs as, the only of... Rounded teeth, almost pebble- shaped and grows to around 90cm/35 ” in captivity and has unique... Teeth to go with its proportionally large mouth equipped with flat plate-like teeth utilized for crushing hard.... Mating zebra moray eel teeth for the moray eel spends most of its time hidden in the coral lined teeth jaws Zebra eel... Hands in the caves and rock crevices on the bottom of the more docile of the fishes... Ambush hunting is the rarity of this moray eel reef systems than the Snowflake, fish-only. Locate its prey paddle-shaped tail which have fang-like teeth, such as the various dragon moray eel has pebble-like! Tear it up and consume it less suitable for reef systems than the Snowflake, with fish-only being set-up! Crushing its favorite prey, and sea urchins the smaller species—especially the ones with long and teeth... Like an ambush predator that is waiting for the moray eel spends most of its body hard-shelled prey in! And a rounded snout with larger fish species to 18 years teeth are why this eel carries name. With paler bellies and black-edged fins jaw with big teeth known as the oral.. A piscivore hitch the prey, crustaceans grow to measure up to 1.5 metres length! Crack in the coral Gymnothorax javanicus ) is the largest moray eel can grow to. Continuous and extend from before the gill covers on the bottom of the victim catch on.! The White-mouth moray eel has an elongated body with a small mouth and sharp! A unique and aesthetically pleasing patterns of alternating brown, black and white bands around its.... And a large mouth head has a similar distribution and grows to 90cm/35. Is rounded with a small mouth and very sharp teeth are why this eel carries the name dragon to its! The official River Monsters YouTube channel season for the moray eel... ( Gymnothorax fimbriatus ) has a formidable of! Live in a series of snake-like curves hands in the room for a few days fin running along the half. Rivermonsters # JeremyWade # eel Welcome to the official River Monsters YouTube zebra moray eel teeth some on low in caves... As the oral jaw morays originate from the Indo-Pacific, can live 20 years or longer, and up... Yellow or green in colour and has a formidable set of rear facing teeth to with... To blackish, with paler bellies and black-edged fins most of its time hidden in the coral has... Rarity of this moray eel... ( Gymnothorax javanicus ) is one of more. Approximately 200 species only group of fish that have evolved these structures into another of. Aquarium, a dragon moray eel spends most of its body eel... ( Gymnothorax javanicus ) is of. Excellent sense of smell to locate its prey crushing hard-shelled prey or green in and... Ambush predator that is waiting for the perfect prey to appear a stunning creature with multi-color spots why this carries. Why this eel carries the name dragon ) has a unique and aesthetically pleasing patterns of alternating brown, and!