The Zoo is
CLOSED
for the winter season.
Visit us when we
reopen in April 2010.

Zebra Moray Eel

Scientific Name:	Echidna zebra
Range:	Tropical and temperate Indian and Pacific oceans
Habitat:	Crevices and ledges of reefs from the surge zone to depths of 130 feet
Natural Diet:	Fish, crustaceans, worms and other scavenged food
Zoo Diet:	Capelin, krill and squid
Physical Characteristics:	Tube-like, elongated body. May reach lengths of up to five feet. Thin, slimy skin with a dorsal fin running nearly the entire length of its body. Large mouth has backward curving, sharp teeth. Possess a blunt snout. Color is deep brown with light yellow to white stripes.
Behavior:	Unpredictable and at times aggressive. Has powerful jaws that can cause a serious bite. Feeds at night. Lurks in underwater crevices waiting for prey. Moves through the water like a snake.
Reproduction:	Breed in the spring and summer months, laying free-floating eggs which are fertilized externally
Notes:	Hidden into crevices with only their heads sticking out, eel often look threatening as they constantly open and close their mouths. However, they are not making threats; this is how they breathe.