Common name: Barredfin moray

Scientific name: Gymnothorax zonipectis Seale, 1906
Gymnothorax zonipectis hiding in cave underwaterBarred-fin moray (Gymnothorax zonipectis) lies on sandy ground, Red Sea, Egypt, Africa
Gymnothorax zonipectis hiding in cave underwater

General information

The Zonipectis Eel, also known as the Zebra Moray Eel, is a striking species with a distinctive pattern of vertical white and dark brown to black bands that cover its elongated body. This pattern provides excellent camouflage among the rocky crevices and coral reefs it inhabits. Gymnothorax zonipectis is a relatively docile species compared to other moray eels, making it a more suitable candidate for a community aquarium with larger fish.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
45 cm (1′6″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding places & a secure lid
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish & inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tankmates
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Eels
    Anguilliformes
  5. Family
    Moray Eels
    Muraenidae
  6. Genus
    Moray Eels
    Gymnothorax
  7. Species
    Barredfin moray
    Gymnothorax zonipectis Seale, 1906
  8. Synonyms
    Gymnothorax zonipectus Seale, 1906
    Lycodontis zonipectis (Seale, 1906)

Care

Zebra Moray Eels require a spacious aquarium with a secure lid to prevent escape, as they are known to be adept at finding their way out of tanks. They need plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. While they are not aggressive towards fish, they may eat smaller crustaceans, so tank mates should be chosen with care. These eels are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, and fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Zebra Moray Eels are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by the male. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented, making it a challenging endeavor for the home aquarist.

Habitat

Gymnothorax zonipectis is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters, where they can hide among the rocks and corals.