Barred moray

The barred moray, or zebra moray relative, is a small marine eel (family Muraenidae) widespread across the Indo-Pacific on shallow reefs and rocky shores. It has a pale to yellowish body encircled by numerous dark bands, which fade somewhat with age, and the typical elongated, scaleless moray form. It is a secretive, mostly nocturnal predator that hides in rockwork by day and emerges to hunt at night. It is best kept singly and is not aggressive toward fish, though it is a determined escape artist. An aquarium with abundant rockwork, secure caves, and an absolutely tight-fitting, weighted lid is essential. It is a carnivore that feeds on crustaceans and small fish, so shrimp and crabs are at risk, but it usually ignores larger fish tankmates. It accepts chunks of meaty seafood offered on a feeding stick. Its hardiness suits intermediate marine keepers prepared to secure the tank.