Barred moray – Echidna polyzona

Barred moray, Barred Moray, Echidna polyzona
Size: 72.3 cm
Depth: 2 - 20 m

American Samoa, Australia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sumatra, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, USA, Vietnam, Yemen

Arabian Sea, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aqaba, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Yellow Sea

The Barred Moray (Echidna polyzona) is a species of moray eel found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its striking barred pattern and can reach a maximum size of 72.3 cm. This species is commonly found in shallow, inshore waters, typically inhabiting reefs, rocky areas, and caves.

Description & Characteristics

The Echidna polyzona is characterized by its elongated, snake-like body and a distinctive pattern of dark brown or black bars running along its yellow or cream-colored background. The body is generally slender, with a slightly compressed head and a small, terminal mouth. Like other moray eels, it possesses a large number of sharp, recurved teeth, adapted for seizing and tearing prey. Their eyes are small and positioned on the top of their heads, providing a panoramic view of their surroundings. The Barred Moray typically has a length of around 50 cm, but can reach a maximum size of 72.3 cm.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Echidna polyzona has a widespread distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean, extending from the Red Sea to the Philippines, including the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. This species inhabits shallow, coastal areas, typically residing in depths ranging from 2.0 to 20.0 meters. They are most often found in reefs, rocky areas, and caves, where they can easily hide and ambush their prey.

Taxonomy

The species Echidna polyzona belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Anguilliformes, and Family: Muraenidae. These eels are part of the order Anguilliformes, which includes a diverse group of fish commonly known as eels. The family Muraenidae encompasses a wide variety of moray eels, distinguished by their elongated, snake-like bodies and the presence of sharp, recurved teeth.

Feeding

The Echidna polyzona is a carnivorous predator that primarily feeds on a variety of marine invertebrates and small fish. Its diet consists of clams, crabs, shrimps, and small fish. They are opportunistic feeders, ambushing their prey from hidden locations. While their primary food sources include invertebrates like clams and crabs, they also consume small fish, demonstrating a flexible and adaptable feeding strategy.

Associated Species

Image References

Leave a Comment