Large zebra eel

The Zebra Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) is widely considered the most peaceful and reef-safe moray eel available, and this 20" Large specimen is no exception. With its bold black-and-white banding and thick, powerful body, it looks intimidating, but its personality is surprisingly gentle. Unlike many other morays, Zebra Eels naturally prefer hard-shelled invertebrates, so they are totally fish safe – we routinely keep our large Zebra Eels with small community fish, including baby clownfish.

This eel spends much of its day tucked into rockwork with just its head showing, watching the tank and waiting for feeding time. Once settled, it becomes a confident, visible resident that will quickly learn when it’s time to eat. A tank with plenty of solid rock caves and tunnels is ideal, giving the eel secure hiding spots and room to move. As with all morays, a tight-fitting, escape-proof lid is essential – they are strong and excellent at finding gaps.

Zebra Eels are much more interested in crustaceans than in fish. Over time, they will happily eat shrimp, crabs, and similar inverts, so plan your cleanup crew accordingly. With appropriate tankmates and aquascape, they make one of the best “centerpiece” eels for a mixed reef or fish-only system.

Feeding is straightforward and rewarding. Offer a varied, meaty diet focused on marine-based foods such as shrimp, crab, clam, squid, and pieces of fish. Feeding tongs are strongly recommended, both to protect your fingers and to deliver food directly where the eel is waiting. Stable water parameters, strong filtration, and good oxygenation will help this eel thrive for many years.

• Common Name: Zebra Eel
• Scientific Name: Gymnomuraena zebra
• Size: Large – approx. 20"
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Very Peaceful for a moray; fish-safe and generally mellow
• Minimum Tank Size: 90+ gallons with solid rockwork and caves
• Reef Compatibility: Generally reef-safe and fish-safe; will eat shrimp, crabs, and similar inverts
• Diet: Carnivore – meaty marine foods (especially crustaceans), best offered with tongs
• Special Notes: Excellent choice for a reef or community tank with small fish, including clownfish; escape-proof lid required

If you’ve always wanted a moray but worried about aggression or fish safety, this Large 20" Zebra Eel is the perfect answer. Peaceful, hardy, and strikingly patterned, it brings all the drama of a big eel without the usual risk to your fish, making it one of the best centerpiece eels you can add to a mature marine aquarium.