Zebra Moray
Gymnomuraena zebra
Adult
Family: Moray Eels (Muraenidae)
Size: Up to 1.5 m (5 ft)
Depth: 3 – 50m (10 – 165ft)
Distribution: Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific (Mexico to Colombia).
Identification:
A true sight in the colorful chaos of the reef.
- Pattern: Dressed for a party, this eel has a dark brown to black body covered in distinct vertical white rings, looking exactly like a zebra.
- Head Shape: Unlike other morays with sharp, needle-like teeth for catching fish, the Zebra Moray has a blunt, rounded snout and pebble-like teeth designed specially for crushing hard shells.
Behavior:
A shy, nocturnal hunter.
- Diet: It is a specialized hunter of crustaceans. It comes out at night to hunt crabs, clams, and sea urchins, using its blunt teeth to grind through their hard shells.
- In Bahia Solano: They are reclusive and rarely seen during the day, preferring to stay tucked deep inside crevices. Spotting one is like finding hidden treasure!
You just learned about this fish...
NOW COME SEE IT!
Behind the Lens
Jalvan
Underwater Photographer & Instructor
Documenting unique marine biodiversity from the Red Sea across the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to creating a visual catalog of Bahia Solano's marine life for conservation and research.
Video: Osmo Action 5 Pro | GoPro
Follow my work:
REFERENCES & DATA SOURCES
- Scientific ID: Verified via FishBase.
- Field Guide: Reef Fish Identification: Baja to Panama (Humann & DeLoach).
- Regional Data: Ankla Azul Marine Observation Log (Bahia Solano).
More Than Kicking Your Fins
At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It's patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano's wild Pacific.