Zebrias
Zebrias is a genus of sand-burrowing eels in the family Congridae. They are found in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. The genus was first described by Pieter Bleeker in 1853, and currently contains 15 recognized species.
Common Names
Common names for species in this genus include:
- Sand-burrowing eel
- Burrowing conger
- Sand eel
Characteristics
Zebrias species are small, slender eels with elongated bodies. They have small, pointed heads with eyes located on top of their heads. Their mouths are slightly upturned and they have sharp teeth. They typically have a mottled brown or gray coloration with darker stripes or spots, often resembling the sand in which they burrow.
Environments
Zebrias species are found in shallow, coastal waters, typically in sandy or muddy bottoms. They are burrowing eels that spend most of their time buried in the sediment, only emerging to hunt for prey. They are nocturnal feeders, primarily feeding on small crustaceans and fish.