Fin's Fish Guide
The Reticulated moray (Gymnomuraena zebra) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The zebra moray is a moray (Muraenidae) from the Indo-West Pacific and eastern Pacific. The species has an elongate, dark-brown body with numerous narrow, white crossbars like a zebra's. It lives concealed on sandy and rocky bottoms, in crevices and under ledges of seaward reefs. Unlike many morays it has blunt, flat grinding teeth with which it cracks hard-shelled prey such as crabs and sea urchins. It is not venomous, but can bite with its powerful jaws.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Reticulated moray?
The Reticulated moray has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Zebra-like white vertical bars and blunt molar teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey.
Where does the Reticulated moray live?
The Reticulated moray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West and East Pacific; sandy and rocky reef bottoms.
How big does the Reticulated moray get?
The Reticulated moray grows to a maximum of about 150 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Reticulated moray dangerous to humans?
No, the Reticulated moray is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but large morays can inflict a deep, tearing bite with their sharp teeth and hold on. Never put a hand into crevices. Clean a bite wound thoroughly and seek medical care for deep wounds or infection.
Is the Reticulated moray edible?
The Reticulated moray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Muraenidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Reticulated moray is one of 12,519 species in the app.