Zebra Moray Eel
Description
of the Zebra Moray Eel
The Zebra Moray Eel has close set teeth which it uses to crush
its prey. It is a secretive animal that hides in caves, rock
ledges and caves. The Zebra eel feeds mainly on Xanthid crabs
including mud, pebble and rubble crabs. Crabs in this family are
brightly colored but highly poisonous to humans and the toxin is
not removed through cooking.
Profile of
the Zebra Moray Eel
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Zebra Moray Eel species.
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Size: Up to 1.5m
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Diet / Feeding:
Crustaceans, Molluscs and Sea Urchins
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Temperament:
Secretive, hides in caves and crevices on the ocean floor
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Habitat: Marine
dwellers at depths of up to 50m
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Range:
Indo-pacific including the Galapagos Islands
Scientific
Classification of the Zebra Moray Eel
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Zebra Moray Eel?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Zebra Moray Eel slimy?
Zebra Moray Eel secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Zebra Moray Eel to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Zebra Moray Eel have gills?
Gills enable the Zebra Moray Eel to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Zebra Moray Eel have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Zebra Moray Eel
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Zebra Moray Eel
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Zebra Moray Eel
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Zebra Moray Eel
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Zebra Moray Eel
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